A reading from the book of First Chronicles.

And Hiram, King of Tyre, sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters,

to build a house for him. 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.

And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters.

These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem.

Shamoah, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibar, Elishua, El Pelit, Noga, Nefig, Japhia, Elishima, Bialida, and Eliphelet.

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. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Refaim. 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.

And he went up to Baal Parazim, 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 Parazim. And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.

And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 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.

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. And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army

from Gibbon to Gezer. 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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