CHAPTER 14 Sep. 30 
David Defeats the Philistines
Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house. 2David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel; for his kingdom was exalted on high, for His people Israel’s sake. 3David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David became the father of more sons and daughters. 4These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6Nogah,  Nepheg, Japhia, 7Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet. 8When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. David heard of it, and went out against them. 9Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 10David inquired of God saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to him, Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand. 11So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. 12They left their gods there; and David gave commandment, and they were burned with fire. 13The Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14David inquired again of God; and God said to him, You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees. 15It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines. 16David did as God commanded him; and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. 17The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

Commentary

14:2 Any exaltation we may receive in life is ultimately for the benefit of God’s people, and not to be selfishly enjoyed just by ourselves.
14:14 God varied the pattern here as a test to David’s obedience, rather like He did to Moses in asking Him to speak to the rock rather than striking it. And He does the same in our lives too. Often God’s battle plans involved an initial turning away from the face of enemies, and then giving victory. To turn away from enemies was an indication of unworthiness and suffering for sin (Dt. 28:25). God wished to teach that victory can only come if we accept our unworthiness of that victory, and how as sinners we deserve only defeat.
14:15 The “sound of marching” was of the Angel cherubim. David was being taught that victory only comes through walking in step with the armies of Heaven which are above; see on 12:22.