King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:10 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:10 in the King James Version says “And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.”

1 Chronicles 14:10 · KJV

Context

8

And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.

9

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

10

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

11

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches

12

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines?—The verb sha'al ('enquired') indicates seeking divine counsel, likely through the high priest's ephod with Urim and Thummim. Unlike Saul, who consulted mediums when God stopped answering (1 Sam 28), David consistently sought Yahweh's direction. Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand—God's response is emphatic, using the emphatic form nathan etten ('I will surely give').

This pattern of inquiry before battle characterizes David's reign. He didn't presume upon past victories but sought fresh guidance for each challenge. When the Philistines returned (v.13), David inquired again and received different instructions (v.14). Spiritual maturity means seeking God's specific will for specific situations, not relying on yesterday's guidance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines threatened David in the Valley of Rephaim southwest of Jerusalem shortly after he captured the city (c. 1002 BC). Their attack tested whether David would rely on military strength or divine direction. His inquiry pattern established a precedent for Israel's kings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How consistently do you seek God's specific direction before major decisions?
  2. What past successes tempt you to proceed without fresh consultation with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל1 of 15

“enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

דָּוִ֤יד2 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בֵּֽאלֹהִים֙3 of 15

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר4 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲלֵ֔ה5 of 15

“Shall I go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל6 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔יים7 of 15

“against the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּנְתַתִּ֖ים8 of 15

“and wilt thou deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃9 of 15

“them into mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר10 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֤וֹ11 of 15
H0
יְהוָה֙12 of 15

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲלֵ֔ה13 of 15

“Shall I go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וּנְתַתִּ֖ים14 of 15

“and wilt thou deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃15 of 15

“them into mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 14:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:61 Chronicles 14:141 Chronicles 13:31 Kings 22:15-171 Kings 22:62 Samuel 5:19

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