1 Chronicles – Chapter 14

Old Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house." — so begins 1 Chronicles 14. The chapter centers on David, Solomon and Nathan. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house.

2And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, and that his kingdom was exalted over his people Israel.

3And David took other wives in Jerusalem: and he begot sons, and daughters.

4Now these are the names of them that were born to him in Jerusalem: Samua, and Sobad, Nathan, and Solomon,

5Jebahar, and Elisua, and Eliphalet,

6And Noga, and Napheg, and Japhia,

7Elisama, and Baaliada, and Eliphalet.

8And the Philistines hearing that David was anointed king over all Israel, went all up to seek him: and David heard of it, and went out against them.

9And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the vale of Raphaim.

10And David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And the Lord said to him: Go up, and I will deliver them into thy hand.

11And when they were come to Baalpharasim, David defeated them there, and he said: God hath divided my enemies by my hand, as waters are divided: and therefore the name of that place was called Baalpharasim.

12And they left there their gods, and David commanded that they should be burnt.

13Another time also the Philistines made an irruption, and spread themselves abroad in the valley.

14And David consulted God again, and God said to him: Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the pear trees.

15And when thou shalt hear the sound of one going in the tops of the pear trees, then shalt thou go out to battle. For God is gone out before thee to strike the army of the Philistines.

16And David did as God had commanded him, and defeated the army of the Philistines, slaying them from Gabaon to Gazera.

17And the name of David became famous in all countries, and the Lord made all nations fear aim.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 14

And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, and that his kingdom was exalted over his people Israel.

1 Chronicles 14:2

And David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And the Lord said to him: Go up, and I will deliver them into thy hand.

1 Chronicles 14:10

And David consulted God again, and God said to him: Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the pear trees.

1 Chronicles 14:14

And the name of David became famous in all countries, and the Lord made all nations fear aim.

1 Chronicles 14:17

Historical Context

1 Chronicles addresses the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 14 of 29 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David, Solomon and Nathan appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house." The chapter ends with: "And the name of David became famous in all countries, and the Lord made all nations fear aim. " In terms of historical background, Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 17-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation. A pivotal line is verse 2: "And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, and that his kingdom was exalted over his people Israel." The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

Catholic exegesis reads 1 Chronicles 14 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 618).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Worship is central to God's people. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Chronicles 14 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David11 mentionsSolomon1 mentionNathan1 mention

Reflection for Today

1 Chronicles Chapter 14, containing 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1032). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands David's legacy and Temple preparation.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of living the Gospel in daily work bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 14 about?

1 Chronicles 14 contains 17 verses. It opens with "And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house." and closes with "And the name of David became famous in all countries, and the Lord made all nations fear aim. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, and that his kingdom was exalted over his people Israel." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions David, Solomon, Nathan.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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