14:1 King Hiram also sent lumber and craftsmen to help Solomon build the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:1ff).
14:2 God gave David honor and success, but not simply for David’s personal gain. David realized that God had prospered him for a special reason—for the sake of God’s people! Often we are tempted to use our position or possessions only for our own good. Instead, we must remember that God has placed us where we are and given us all we have so that we may encourage others and give to those in need.
14:3 Accumulating wives and concubines in a harem was the custom of the day among Middle Eastern royalty, but it was not God’s ideal (Genesis 2:24). David’s marriages brought him greater power and influence, but they also caused strife, jealousy, and even murder within his family. (See the chart in 2 Samuel 11, p. 639 for other consequences of polygamy.)
14:8-16 A map of this battle is in 2 Samuel 5, p. 469.
14:10 Before David went to battle, he inquired of God first, asking for his presence and guidance. Too often we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God. By then the consequences of our actions are already unfolding. Do you ask for God’s help only as a desperate last resort? Instead, go to him first! Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble. Make sure you give God the credit when you see what he does on your behalf.
14:12 David’s quick and decisive action against idols helped unify his kingdom and focus the people on worshiping the one true God. He was obeying the law that said, “Ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire” (Deuteronomy 7:5). Most of David’s successors failed to destroy idols, and this led to unbelievable moral corruption in Israel.
14:12 Often the soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from the battle, but David ordered them to burn the idols. The only proper response to sin is to get rid of it completely. You cannot be a follower of God while continuing to hold on to parts of your life where God is not the center of your thoughts and actions. Eliminate whatever takes God’s rightful place in your life, and follow him with complete devotion.
14:13-16 In almost every new situation, David prayed for guidance. New developments offer us new challenges as well as new risks. We should seek guidance in each new situation because this will help us avoid unseen dangers. Don’t assume that God’s way of working in your life will always be the same. If you seek God’s leading in new circumstances, change won’t appear as a threat but as an opportunity to let God work in new ways.