1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 14: David asks God what to do

Begin in prayer

Before we hear how David asked God what to do in battle, let us pray together. Ask the LORD to show us that He leads and gives the victory, and to lead us to Jesus.

You are my King, God. Command victories for Jacob!

Psalm 44:4

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You gave David victory when he asked You, and show us Jesus, who won the greatest victory. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Hiram, king of Tyre, sent builders to David, who knew the LORD had established him as king (verses 1 and 2). When the Philistines heard that David was king over all Israel, they went up to seek him (verse 8). David asked God if he should go up, and God said to go up (verse 10). David defeated them at Baal Perazim (verse 11). The Philistines raided again, and this time God gave David a different plan (verses 13 to 15). David did as God commanded, and his fame went into all lands (verses 16 and 17).

As you read 1 Chronicles 14, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD gave David victory over the Philistines when David asked Him what to do.

David was now king over all Israel, and the Philistines came up to seek him (verse 8). Twice they raided the valley of Rephaim, and each time David inquired of God before he went out (verses 9 to 14). The first time God said, “Go up,” and David won at Baal Perazim (verses 10 and 11). The second time God gave a different plan, to wait for the sound of marching in the trees (verses 14 and 15). God said He had gone out before David to strike the Philistines (verse 15), so the army followed God. This teaches that victory comes from the LORD, and that He guides those who ask Him. It matters because David asked again, and God gave a new answer for a new battle. It shows God as a leader who goes before His people, and who answers when they ask. Christ won the greatest victory, over sin and death, by His cross and His resurrection (Colossians 2 verse 15).

How does 1 Chronicles 14 show us that the LORD gave David victory over the Philistines when David asked Him what to do?

David asked God before he went to battle.

The Philistines came up against David, and he went out to meet them (verse 8). First he inquired of God, asking if he should go up and if God would deliver them (verse 10). God told him to go up, and David defeated them at Baal Perazim (verses 10 and 11).

God gave David a new plan for the second battle.

The Philistines raided the valley again, and David asked God again (verses 13 and 14). God told him to circle round and wait for the sound of marching in the mulberry trees (verses 14 and 15). God had gone out before David to strike the Philistines (verse 15). David did as God commanded (verse 16).

Christ won the greatest victory on the cross.

Paul wrote that Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities by the cross (Colossians 2 verse 15). Jesus rose from the dead, and death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15 verse 54). God gives the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15 verse 57). David's battles were with the Philistines. Jesus won over sin and death.

Memorise

God has broken my enemies by my hand, like waters breaking out.

1 Chronicles 14:11

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I ask God for help, and do I trust Jesus, who won the victory?

After the first battle David said, “God has broken my enemies by my hand, like waters breaking out.” The victory was the LORD's. Jesus won a greater victory over sin and death (Colossians 2 verse 15).

Our worst enemies are sin and death, and no one can beat them alone. Jesus went to the cross and bore the punishment for His people's sin, and His death paid for it fully. He rose from the grave, and death could not hold Him.

Ask Him for mercy. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus. God forgives for Jesus' sake all who trust Him, and they share in His victory.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD gave David victory when David asked Him, and that Jesus has won the greatest victory. Parents, please explain in your own words why David burned the idols the Philistines left (verse 12). Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He leads His people and gives the victory, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Through God, we will do valiantly. For it is he who will tread down our enemies.

Psalm 108:13

Lord God, thank You that You gave David victory when he asked You what to do. Please turn each of us from sin to trust Jesus, who won the greatest victory. Teach us to ask You for help this week. Amen.