1 Chronicles 14:1-17
The glory and prosperity of David have reached the ears of his neighbours. Some, such as Hiram and his people, seek the favour and friendship of the king of Israel; others, such as the Philistines, do not lay down their weapons. Let us notice that, in accordance with the special character of the Chronicles, there is no mention here of the guilty association of David with Achish (1 Samuel 27-29), except for the guarded reference in 1 Chronicles 12:19.
The victor over Goliath then launches an attack against the Philistines in two stages, not without having first inquired of God on each occasion. Let us emphasize again this attitude of humility. David has no confidence in his own capacity as captain; he does not rely on his own military experience in order to decide on the best tactics to adopt. When the Enemy "comes up to seek us" (v. 8), is our first reaction to ask God as to how we can overcome him? Let us not trust in our own wisdom. Before facing the Enemy, as indeed before making any decision whatever, let us ask the Lord Jesus for His direction and His help. Most of our defeats at the hands of our great Enemy have their explanation simply in this: we have forgotten to seek the mind of the Lord.