And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

1 CHRONICLES 14:2KJV
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1 Chronicles 14:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:2 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:2 describes how David realized that the LORD had firmly established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was being made greater for the sake of the people of Israel. The verse highlights David’s awareness that his rise in power was not just for himself, but was connected to God’s purpose for the nation.

This verse is set after David becomes king and begins to see his rule strengthen. The writer notes that David understood his position was secured by the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew), not by his own efforts alone. The focus is on God’s action in lifting up David’s kingdom, showing that the well-being of Israel as a people was at the heart of God’s plan in establishing David as king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:2

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship with Israel. It shows that it was not just any god, but Israel’s specific God who established David.
  • Confirmed (כּוּן, kun): This word means to make firm or establish. The verse stresses that David’s kingship was securely set in place by God, not by chance or only human effort.
  • Up (נָשָׂא, nasa): This word means to lift or raise up. The verse says David’s kingdom was “lifted up on high,” pointing to God’s active role in giving David honor and strength.
  • High (לְמַעְלָה, lema‘lah): This means “upward” or “on high,” reinforcing the idea that David’s kingdom was being elevated above others, again due to God’s intervention.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s success as king was not just personal achievement, but was understood as God’s doing for the benefit of Israel as a whole.
  • The verse highlights a key biblical theme: leaders are raised up by God for the sake of the people, not for their own glory.
  • It connects to the wider story by showing David’s humility and spiritual insight, recognizing God’s hand in his life and reign, which sets the tone for his rule in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

“high” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.