1 Chronicles 14:10
And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל
enquired
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל
enquired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 15
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בֵּֽאלֹהִים֙
of God
H430
בֵּֽאלֹהִים֙
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עֲלֵ֔ה
Shall I go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֔ה
Shall I go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔יים
against the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔יים
against the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 15
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וּנְתַתִּ֖ים
and wilt thou deliver
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֖ים
and wilt thou deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃
them into mine hand
H3027
בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃
them into mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵ֔ה
Shall I go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֔ה
Shall I go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
13 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
The Philistines threatened David in the Valley of Rephaim southwest of Jerusalem shortly after he captured the city (c. 1002 BC). Their attack tested whether David would rely on military strength or divine direction. His inquiry pattern established a precedent for Israel's kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How consistently do you seek God's specific direction before major decisions?
- What past successes tempt you to proceed without fresh consultation with God?
Analysis & Commentary
And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines?—The verb sha'al ('enquired') indicates seeking divine counsel, likely through the high priest's ephod with Urim and Thummim. Unlike Saul, who consulted mediums when God stopped answering (1 Sam 28), David consistently sought Yahweh's direction. Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand—God's response is emphatic, using the emphatic form nathan etten ('I will surely give').
This pattern of inquiry before battle characterizes David's reign. He didn't presume upon past victories but sought fresh guidance for each challenge. When the Philistines returned (v.13), David inquired again and received different instructions (v.14). Spiritual maturity means seeking God's specific will for specific situations, not relying on yesterday's guidance.