1 King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedarwood, masons, and carpenters to build a palace for David. 2 So David realized that the LORD had established him as king of Israel and that his kingdom was made famous for the sake of Israel, the LORD's people. 3 David married more wives in Jerusalem and fathered more sons and daughters. 4 These are the names of the children who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. 8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, all of them came to attack David. But David heard about it and went out to meet them. 9 The Philistines had come and raided the valley of Rephaim. 10 David asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Attack! I will hand them over to you." 11 So David and his men attacked and defeated the Philistines at Baal Perazim. David said, "Using my power like an overwhelming flood, God has overwhelmed my enemies." That is why they call that place Baal Perazim The Lord Overwhelms. 12 The Philistines left their gods there, so David ordered that the gods be burned. 13 The Philistines again raided the valley. 14 Once more David asked God. God answered him, "Don't go after them. Circle around, and come at them in front of the balsam trees. 15 As you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out and fight because God has gone ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army." 16 David did as God ordered him, and his men defeated the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 David's fame spread through all lands, and the LORD made all the nations fear him. GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. | |