1 Chronicles 14:9

(9) And the Philistines came.—Now the Philistines had come. The narrative goes back to 1Ch_14:8 a. The invaders had approached by another road than usual, and encamped in the valley of Rephaim (1Ch_11:15).

Spread themselves.—The chronicler has given an easier term than that used in Samuel.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

9. spread themselves] R.V. made a raid. In fact both renderings are right; the Philistines scattered themselves in search of spoil.

the valley of Rephaim] to be identified probably with the shallow valley, now called Beḳâ‘a, across which runs the road from Jerusalem to Beth-lehem (Bädeker, p. 120).

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Spread themselves. The root, fvp appears here for the of the parallel place. So also again in ver. 13 of this chapter. In the valley of Rephaim; i.e. of giants, though some translate "healers," and yet others "chiefs." Though not Canaanites, they once held portions of Canaan. Their origin is very uncertain. Kalisch ("Commentary on Old Testament," p. 351) thinks they were descendants of Japheth (Gen_14:5 Gen_15:20; Deu_2:9-11 Deu_3:11) The "valley" was south of Jerusalem, but whether more south-east or south-west is not certain; probably the former (Jos_15:8 Jos_18:16; Isa_17:5)

Vers. 9-11.

The God of battles.

This is one of the many passages in the Old Testament where God is represented as presiding over and prospering the military expeditions of the Israelites. Rationalists see in such passages nothing more than evidence that the Hebrews were a warlike people, and that they, like other nations, attributed their successes in war to the intervention and favour of their Deity. But those who believe in the inspiration and authority of Scripture cannot be satisfied with such an explanation. The text suggests some reflections which may cast light upon this difficulty.

I THERE IS A GENERAL SENSE IN WHICH JEHOVAH WAS AND IS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF BATTLES. It would be barbarous and absurd to suppose that the benevolent Ruler of all prefers war in itself to peace, that he takes pleasure in the carnage and agony, the bereavement and desolation, which are distinctive of war. But as all strength and valour, all foresight, skill, and patience are his gifts, to him must ultimately be traced the force, the generalship, by which victories are won.

II THERE IS A DIVINE PROVIDENCE WHICH OVERRULES THE CONFLICTS OF THE NATIONS. There can be no question that the course of human history has been, to a large extent, governed by the wars which have occupied so much of the energy and have consumed so much of the blood and the treasure of mankind. We have read of "the fifteen decisive battles of the world." They who believe in the providential government of the world at all can scarcely refuse to believe that the warfares of the nations have been permitted and overruled for good by God. Great principles, even principles of a moral kind, have sometimes been fought upon the field of battle. Civilization and barbarism, slavery and freedom, brute force and enlightenment, have thus contended together for the mastery and the victory.

III THERE WERE SPECIAL REASONS WHY GOD SHOULD HAVE INTERESTED HIMSELF IN THE WARS OF THE JEWS.

1. The contests between Israel and Israel"s enemies were contests betweena morally superior and certain morally inferior races. When wars took place

2. between the Israelites and the Canaanites or Philistines, it is plain to every student of history that the victory of Israel was the victory of monotheism and morality over idolatry and the most flagrant and disgusting vice. The cause of Philistia was the cause of heathenism, cruelty, and pollution; the cause of David was that of comparative justice, purity, and spirituality.

3. The victories of Israel furthered the best interests of mankind. Had Israelbeen subjugated or annihilated, the best prospects of the human race would have been clouded with awful darkness. The independence and nationality of the Hebrews formed a distinct step forward in the march of humanity.

4. The triumphs of David were a link in that chain which led to theredemption of mankind. We cannot separate the Old Testament, historically or religiously, from the New. The kingdom and the conquests of David have relation to the kingdom and the conquests of him who was Son of David and Son of God. T.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.