1 Chronicles 14 9

1 Chronicles 14:9 kjv

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 14:9 nkjv

Then the Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 14:9 niv

Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim;

1 Chronicles 14:9 esv

Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 14:9 nlt

The Philistines arrived and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.

1 Chronicles 14 verses

1 Chronicles 14 9 Meaning

This verse states that the Philistines advanced and launched a hostile incursion into the Valley of Rephaim. This action marked an immediate challenge to David's recently consolidated kingship over all Israel, directly threatening Jerusalem and its fertile agricultural plain, thus setting the stage for a critical confrontation.

1 Chronicles 14 9 Context

Following David's anointing as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem, making it the new capital (1 Chron 11), his international prominence grew (1 Chron 14:1-2). His establishment in Jerusalem signified a new era of stability and unified leadership for Israel. The Philistines, Israel's long-standing adversaries, perceived David's growing strength and consolidation of power, particularly in securing Jerusalem which was strategically situated between their coastal plain and Israel's central highlands, as a direct threat to their regional dominance. Their response, as described in this verse, was to immediately launch a full-scale raid into the Valley of Rephaim, an economically vital and militarily accessible agricultural plain directly bordering Jerusalem. This attack was intended to assert their supremacy, perhaps to plunder resources, and certainly to challenge David's nascent reign, necessitating his decisive action.

1 Chronicles 14 9 Word analysis

• Now (וַיָּבֹאוּ - wayyābôʾû): The initial "Now" (often translated from "and" with a waw consecutive) indicates immediate chronological progression. It signifies that what follows is a direct and consequential event after David's enthronement and recognition as king over all Israel. It signals the initiation of a new narrative segment.
• the Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים - Pelishtim): This refers to the historical, perennial enemies of Israel. They were an Aegean people, part of the "Sea Peoples," who settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan. Known for their advanced iron-working technology and military prowess, they posed a constant military and existential threat to the Israelites for centuries, often representing forces hostile to God's chosen people. Their mention here immediately establishes an adversarial context.
• came (וַיָּבֹאוּ - wayyābôʾû): This Hebrew verb denotes movement towards a location with intent. In this context, given the Philistines' identity, it specifically implies a hostile approach, an invasion. It signifies an active, aggressive entry into Israelite territory.
• and raided (וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ - wayyipheshotû): The verb pashat (פשׁט) means to "spread out," "strip off," "make a dash," or "raid." In a military context, it vividly describes a rapid, extensive, and often destructive incursion, implying widespread deployment for the purpose of plunder and devastation, rather than just a skirmish or limited advance. It emphasizes the scale and hostile nature of their advance.
• the Valley (בְּעֵמֶק - be'emeq): Refers to a low-lying, flat expanse of land between hills or mountains. Valleys in biblical lands were often fertile for agriculture and served as natural pathways for armies. This particular valley, being adjacent to Jerusalem, was of immense strategic and economic importance.
• of Rephaim (רְפָאִים - Repha'im): This is a geographical name for a specific, agriculturally rich valley located just southwest of Jerusalem (modern-day Refa'im Valley). Historically, the name "Rephaim" is associated with ancient giant races (Gen 14:5; Deut 3:11), and its presence here subtly evokes past encounters with formidable, seemingly overwhelming foes, underscoring the severity of the threat posed by the Philistines. It may also imply that this place, known for these powerful ancient inhabitants, was naturally suited for great battles.

• "the Philistines came and raided": This phrase strongly conveys the immediate, aggressive, and hostile nature of the Philistine incursion. It underlines their perception of David's consolidation of power as a direct threat that required a decisive and forceful response. The act of "raiding" (wayyipheshotû) is more than merely approaching; it indicates an intent to occupy, devastate, and plunder, suggesting a full-scale military maneuver.
• "the Valley of Rephaim": This specific geographic location highlights the strategic significance of the Philistine attack. Being adjacent to Jerusalem, it represented a direct challenge to David's newly established capital and control over the central highlands. The valley's fertility made it a prime target for raiding to deplete Israelite resources or establish a staging ground against Jerusalem. The name 'Rephaim' also carries historical weight, recalling previous epic encounters, setting the stage for a new one.

1 Chronicles 14 9 Bonus section

The Chronicler's account here, mirroring 2 Samuel 5:18, places strong emphasis on the external threat David faced immediately upon solidifying his reign in Jerusalem. This immediate Philistine aggression serves as a critical test of David's leadership and reliance on God. The location, "Valley of Rephaim," holds dual significance: it was an important agricultural area susceptible to plunder and a natural corridor for military advances towards Jerusalem. More profoundly, its name "Rephaim" subtly connects the current conflict to ancient giants and powerful foes from Israel's past (like Og or those in Genesis 14:5), reminding the audience that God has a history of granting victory against seemingly insurmountable adversaries. The episode that follows this verse, with David's inquiry of God, highlights the Chronicler's ongoing theme: true victory and lasting kingship for David are contingent not on his military might or human wisdom, but on consistent and explicit obedience to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 14 9 Commentary

1 Chronicles 14:9 precisely details the inevitable clash between David's emerging kingdom and the established power of the Philistines. Upon David's complete enthronement in Jerusalem and God's blessing evident in his expanding influence, the Philistines, perpetual adversaries, instinctively reacted to protect their dominion. Their raid into the Valley of Rephaim was not a random act but a deliberate military strategy—an attempt to neutralize the perceived threat of a unified Israel under a strong king. This particular valley, known for its fertility and strategic proximity to Jerusalem, served as the battlefield where David would once again face a formidable enemy. The concise report sets the stage for God's instruction to David, demonstrating that even amidst intense worldly opposition, the path to victory lies in seeking and obeying the Lord's specific direction. This verse underpins the theme of divine sovereignty in battle and David's consistent reliance on God as the true Commander.