David’s Prestige Grows

1King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him. 2David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that he had elevated his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

3In Jerusalem David married more wives and fathered more sons and daughters. 4These are the names of children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

8When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of all Israel, all the Philistines marched up to confront him. When David heard about it, he marched out against them. 9Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. 10David 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!” 11So they marched against Baal Perazim and David defeated them there. David said, “Using me as his instrument, God has burst out against my enemies like water bursts out.” So that place is called Baal Perazim. 12The Philistines left their idols there, so David ordered that they be burned.

13The Philistines again raided the valley. 14So David again asked God what he should do. This time God told him, “Don’t march up after them; circle around them and come against them in front of the trees. 15When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack. For at that moment the Lord is going before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16David did just as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.

17So David became famous in all the lands; the Lord caused all the nations to fear him.