Understanding 1 Chronicles 14:17
Bible Verse: 1 Chronicles 14:17 - "And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations."
Summary of Biblical Interpretation
This verse encapsulates the theme of divine favor in the rise of David as a significant figure in Israel and among the nations. The spread of David's fame is attributed explicitly to the Lord’s influence, suggesting a deep interdependence between David’s success and God’s sovereignty. The fear of David among the nations indicates the acknowledgment of God's power and his appointed leader, reflecting the broader biblical theme of how leaders are ordained by God and how their actions can reverberate throughout the world.
Commentary Insights
- Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that David’s fame was not merely due to his military successes but was fundamentally rooted in God’s favor. The fear instilled in surrounding nations served as a divine demonstration of God’s might and the legitimacy of David’s reign as a God-ordained king.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights the significance of the "fame of David," linking it to the notion that God actively promotes His chosen leaders. He also notes that the fear the nations felt was likely a mixture of respect and apprehension, recognizing David as a powerful ruler backed by divine authority.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke suggests that the mention of “the fear of him upon all nations” indicates that David’s leadership inspired not just fear but also an acknowledgment of God’s power over Israel. Clarke speaks about how God’s favor upon David served to enhance his reputation and instill reverence in others.
Bible Verse Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 18:6-7: The song of the women praising David shows the early signs of his fame.
- 2 Samuel 8:14: This verse discusses David's victories and the fear he instilled in the nations.
- Psalm 18:43-44: The psalm reflects on David's victories and how nations responded to his leadership.
- Psalm 47:2: This verse celebrates the sovereignty of God over nations, linking it to David's kingship.
- Psalm 60:11-12: It speaks to the need for God's assistance in victory over enemies, paralleling David's experiences.
- 1 Chronicles 11:9: Notes that David grew greater and greater, with the Lord of hosts with him.
- 2 Samuel 5:10: Highlights how David became greater as God was with him.
Connections Between Bible Verses
1 Chronicles 14:17 connects to various other scriptures that illustrate the themes of leadership, divine favor, and fear of the Lord. Each reference deepens the understanding of how God’s empowerment of David shaped his character and influenced his interactions with other nations.
Thematic Bible Verse Connections
The themes of power, fear, and divine influence are prevalent throughout the Bible, as seen in stories from the Old and New Testaments. The examination of David’s kingship relates to understanding New Testament contexts where God’s appointed leaders, like Jesus, also inspired reverence and transformations in societal perceptions.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
Utilizing a Bible concordance, Bible cross-reference guide, or a comprehensive Bible cross-reference material can be immensely beneficial for deeper understanding and studies. Such tools help to uncover the connections between verses like 1 Chronicles 14:17 and its parallels in scripture.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles 14:17 serves as a pivotal verse that underscores the understanding of David as a divinely appointed leader whose fame and reverence stemmed from God’s support. The interconnectedness of scripture through cross-referencing enhances comprehension and appreciation of biblical themes, enriching personal and communal study.
