King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:16 in the King James Version says “David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.”

1 Chronicles 14:16 · KJV

Context

14

Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

15

And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

16

David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

17

And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Read 1 Chronicles 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's kingdom established - royal success. The Hebrew term מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah) - kingdom is theologically significant here, pointing to God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's kingdom established - royal success occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God establishes and blesses obedient leaders challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 12

“therefore did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דָּוִ֔יד2 of 12

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֖הוּ4 of 12

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים5 of 12

“as 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

וַיַּכּוּ֙6 of 12

“him and they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה8 of 12

“the host”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים9 of 12

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

מִגִּבְע֖וֹן10 of 12

“from Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

וְעַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גָּֽזְרָה׃12 of 12

“even to Gazer”

H1507

gezer, a place in palestine

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 14:16 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 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:14John 13:17Genesis 6:22Exodus 39:42-43John 2:51 Chronicles 6:67

Places in This Verse

GezerSettlement · Modern: Tel Gezer · 31.86°N, 34.92°E14 verses across 5 books
GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 14 →

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