English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him.
1
King Hiram of Tyre sent an envoy to David, along with cedar lumber, masons, and carpenters to build him a royal palace.
2 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
2
Then David knew for sure that God had confirmed him as king over Israel, because of the rising reputation that God was giving his kingdom for the benefit of his people Israel.
3 And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters.
3
David married more wives and had more children in Jerusalem.
4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
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His children born in Jerusalem were Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
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Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
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Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet.
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Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them.
8
The minute the Philistines heard that David had been made king over a united Israel, they went out in force to capture David. When David got the report, he marched out to confront them.
9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim.
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On their way, the Philistines stopped off to plunder the Valley of Rephaim.
10 And David inquired of God, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up, and I will give them into your hand."
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David prayed to God: "Is this the right time to attack the Philistines? Will you give me the victory?" God answered, "Attack; I'll give you the victory."
11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood." Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
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David attacked at Baal Perazim and slaughtered them. David said, "God exploded my enemies, as water explodes from a burst pipe." That's how the place got its name, Baal Perazim (Baal-Explosion).
12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.
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The Philistines left their gods behind and David ordered that they be burned up.
13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.
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And then the Philistines were back at it again, plundering in the valley.
14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, "You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees.
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David again prayed to God. God answered, "This time don't attack head-on; circle around and come at them out of the balsam grove.
15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."
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When you hear a sound like shuffling feet in the tops of the balsams, attack; God will be two steps ahead of you, slaughtering the Philistines."
16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.
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David did exactly as God commanded, slaughtering Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.
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David was soon famous all over the place, far and near; and God put the fear of God into the godless nations.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.