David Anointed King of All Israel
(1 Chronicles 11:1–3)

1Then all the tribes of Israel (he wrestles with God) came to David (beloved) at Hebron (association) and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. 2Even in times past, while Saul (desired) was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out (he wrestles with God) and brought them back. And to you the LORD {YHWH} said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

3So all the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God) came to the king at Hebron (association), where King David (beloved) made with them a covenant before the LORD {YHWH}. And they anointed him king over Israel.

4David (beloved) was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5In Hebron (association) he reigned over Judah (praised) seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem (city of peace) he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel (he wrestles with God) and Judah.

David Conquers Jerusalem
(1 Chronicles 11:4–9)

6Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem (city of peace) against the Jebusites (Jerusalemites) who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David (beloved): “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”

7Nevertheless, David (beloved) captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). 8On that day he (beloved) said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites (Jerusalemites) must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David (who are enemies of David).a” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

9So David (beloved) took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces \the Millo/b inward. 10And David (beloved) became greater and greater, for the LORD God {YHWH Elohe} of Hosts was with him.

11Now Hiram (noble) king of Tyre (a rock) sent envoys to David (beloved), along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

David’s Family Grows
(1 Chronicles 14:1–7)

12And David (beloved) realized that the LORD {YHWH} had established him as king over Israel (he wrestles with God) and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

13After he had arrived from Hebron (association), David (beloved) took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem (city of peace), and more sons and daughters were born to him. 14These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem (city of peace): Shammua (Shimea),c Shobab (rebellious), Nathan (giver), Solomon (peace), 15Ibhar (YHWH chooses), Elishua (God is salvation), Nepheg (sprout), Japhia (shining), 16Elishama (my God has heard), Eliada (God knows), and Eliphelet (God is deliverance).

Two Victories over the Philistines
(1 Chronicles 14:8–17)

17When the Philistines (immigrants) heard that David (beloved) had been anointed king over Israel (he wrestles with God), they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.

18Now the Philistines (immigrants) had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19So David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, “Should I go up against the Philistines (immigrants)? Will You deliver them into my hand?”

“Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

20So David (beloved) went to Baal-perazim (The Lord Bursts Out), where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD {YHWH} has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.d 21There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David (beloved) and his men carried them away.

22Once again the Philistines (immigrants) came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23So David (beloved) inquired of the LORD {YHWH}, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees (aspen trees).e 24As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD {YHWH} has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines (immigrants).”

25So David (beloved) did as the LORD {YHWH} had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines (immigrants) all the way from Gibeon [Geba]f to Gezer (portion).