1 Chronicles Chapter 14 Summary

The prosperity of King David. Double defeat of the Philistines.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 14

  1. What does it say about David that neighboring kings sent messengers and supplies to build him a house? Do you think he had political allies, enemies, or both? How do you balance your relationship with the lost and the saved? Do you find yourself compromising or standing firm when around non-believers? Is there a place for both stances as believers around the lost? Why or why not?
  2. In verse 2, Scripture states David "knew" (ESV) the Lord had established him. Do you struggle with knowing you are where God wants you to be? How can we know? If you do know, does that mean life will be smooth? Why or why not? How can we be assured we are where God wants us to be?
  3. Was it okay for David to take multiple wives? Read Deuteronomy 17:17. What is the reason God gives against multiple spouses? In our society, not many have multiple spouses, so how is this applicable?
  4. In verse 4, the name Solomon appears in a list of David’s offspring. Read 2 Samuel 10–12. What can we learn from his birth story? To study Solomon deeper, read 1 Kings 2. Do you see how the command to not have multiple wives would have saved David a lot of heartache, not only in his life but also in the lives of others? Is it possible to be following God and be completely disobedient in one area? Do you have an area where you struggle despite knowing it is in disobedience to God? What might you need to repent of that you have been justifying? How can we desire to be more obedient?
  5. Who is David going against in battle? In 1 Chronicles 12, who was David willing to go into battle with as an ally? Why do you think his relationship with the Philistines has changed? Has God ever taken someone out of your life and put you on a different side? How, as a Christian, should we handle that in a way that glorifies God?
  6. In verse 10, who does it say David inquired of before battle plans were drawn up? When you are in a season of battle, how often do you inquire of the Lord? When you do pray for direction, can you discern what God has for you? Why or why not?
  7. In verse 11, does David experience a defeat or a victory? What is his response? Do you give praise to God when He brings victory, or do you somewhat forget to seek God as often in the absence of battle? What are ways to praise God when we receive the blessings of a victory?
  8. Did David keep the idols the Philistines left? Why? Do you think we carry idols through life in our society? If so, what do you struggle with, and how do you set fire, as David did, to the idols in your life?
  9. Did the victory against the Philistines last? When you have a victory that is short-lived, how do you respond? What can we glean from David and the way he handled his situation?
  10. How does God tell David he is going to give the Philistines over in verses 13-17? Has God ever called you to do something that doesn’t make sense in our earthly eyes? Was it easy or hard to obey? What are some things we can do that help us obey when circumstances do not make sense?

Key Words/Phrase

Kingdom exalted, v. 2.

Characters

God, David, Hiram.

Strong Verse(s)

16