1 King Hiram of Tyremap For location see Map1-A2; Map2-G2; Map4-A1; JP3-F3; JP4-F3. sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons,tn Heb “craftsman of a wall,” that is, masons skilled at building stone walls. and carpenters to build a palace for him.

2 David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that he had elevatedtn Heb “was lifted upwards.” his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

3 In Jerusalemmap For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. David marriedtn Heb “took.” more wives and fathered more sons and daughters.

4 These are the names of children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,

6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,

7 Elishama, Beeliada,tn In 1 Chr 3:8 and 2 Sam 5:16 this name appears as “Eliada.” The form here represents a variant spelling of the name. and Eliphelet.

8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointedtn Or “designated”; NCV “had been made king”; CEV “had become king.” king of all Israel, all the Philistines marched up to confront him.tn Heb “to seek David.” When David heard about it, he marched out againsttn Heb “went out before.” them.

9 Now the Philistines had come and raidedtn Heb “stripped.” the Valley of Rephaim.

10 David asked God, “Should I march up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord said to him, “March up! I will hand them over to you!”

11 So they marched against Baal Perazim and David defeated them there. David said, “Using me as his instrument,tn Heb “by my hand.” God has burst out against my enemies like water bursts out.” So that place is called Baal Perazim.sn The name Baal Perazim means “Lord of outbursts” in Hebrew.

12 The Philistines lefttn Heb “abandoned.” their idolstn Heb “gods.” there, so David ordered that they be burned.

13 The Philistines again raided the valley.

14 So David again asked God what he should do.tn Heb “and David again asked God.” This timetn The words “this time” are not in the Hebrew text. God told him, “Don’t march up after them; circle around them and come against them in front of the trees.tn The Hebrew word translated “trees” is defined by HALOT 129 s.v. בָּכָא as “shrubs.” Some translate “balsam trees” (see BDB 113 s.v. בָּכָא), cf. NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT.

15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack.tn Heb “go out in battle.” For at that moment the Lord is going before you to strike down the armytn Heb “camp.” of the Philistines.”

16 David did just as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.

17 So David became famoustn Heb “the name of David went out.” in all the lands; the Lord caused all the nations to fear him.tn Heb “and the Lord placed fear of him upon all the nations.”