King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:2 in the King James Version says “And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of ... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

1 Chronicles 14:2 · KJV


Context

1

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

2

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

3

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. more: Heb. yet

4

Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's recognition that 'the LORD had confirmed him king' demonstrates the covenant certainty underlying his reign. The Hebrew verb kun (confirmed/established) appears throughout Chronicles describing God's establishing work - kingdoms, throne, covenant, temple. This isn't democratic election but divine appointment. The purpose clause 'for his people Israel's sake' reveals that even monarchy in Israel is instrumental, serving God's redemptive purposes for the covenant community. This theocentric view of leadership prefigures Christ, whose kingship exists entirely for his people's salvation and God's glory, not self-aggrandizement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hiram of Tyre's recognition and support (sending cedar, carpenters, masons) demonstrated David's growing international prestige (c. 1003 BCE). Such diplomatic relationships with Phoenicia provided resources for building projects while signaling God's blessing making David's kingdom a light to the nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should leaders in the church today understand their roles as existing 'for the people's sake' rather than personal glory?
  2. What evidence confirms in your life that God has established you in your current calling and responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֵּ֣דַע1 of 15

perceived

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דָּוִ֔יד2 of 15

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּֽי3 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֱכִינ֧וֹ4 of 15

had confirmed

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

יְהוָ֛ה5 of 15

that the LORD

H3068

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

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ6 of 15

him king

H4428

a king

עַל7 of 15
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 15

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּֽי9 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִשֵּׂ֤את10 of 15

was lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לְמַ֙עְלָה֙11 of 15

on high

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

מַלְכוּת֔וֹ12 of 15

for his kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר13 of 15
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

עַמּ֥וֹ14 of 15

because of his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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