King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:8 in the King James Version says “And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 14:8 · KJV

Context

6

And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

7

And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet. Beeliada: also called, Eliada 2.Sam.5.16.

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.

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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 · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע1 of 19

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים2 of 19

“And when the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

כִּֽי3 of 19
H3588

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

נִמְשַׁ֨ח4 of 19

“was anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

דָּוִ֔יד5 of 19

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙6 of 19

“king”

H4428

a king

עַל7 of 19
H5921

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

כָּל8 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 19

“over all Israel”

H3478

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

וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ10 of 19

“went up”

H5927

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

כָל11 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים12 of 19

“And when the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ13 of 19

“to seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

דָּוִ֔יד15 of 19

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע16 of 19

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דָּוִ֔יד17 of 19

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּצֵ֖א18 of 19

“of it and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃19 of 19

“against”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 11:15-181 Samuel 21:11Psalms 2:1-61 Chronicles 11:32 Samuel 5:32 Samuel 5:17-25

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