1 Chronicles 14:17

And David's fame went out into every land, and the LORD caused all nations to fear him.

Study Bible

And David’s fame
The Hebrew word for "fame" is "שֵׁם" (shem), which can also mean "name" or "reputation." In the ancient Near Eastern context, a person's name was deeply tied to their identity and legacy. David's fame was not merely about his military conquests or political achievements; it was about the divine favor and covenantal relationship he had with God. His reputation was a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

spread throughout the lands
The phrase "spread throughout the lands" indicates a wide-reaching influence that transcended local boundaries. The Hebrew word for "lands" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), often translated as "earth" or "territory." This suggests that David's influence was not confined to Israel alone but extended to surrounding nations. Historically, this period marks the expansion of Israel's borders and the establishment of a united kingdom under David's rule, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being a blessing to all nations.

and the LORD caused
The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the divine orchestration behind David's success. It was not by David's might or wisdom alone that his fame spread, but by the sovereign will of God. This reflects a central theme in the Bible: God is the ultimate source of power and authority, and He actively intervenes in human history to accomplish His purposes. The phrase "caused" underscores God's active role in ensuring that David's reign would be established and recognized.

all nations to fear him
The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to be afraid, to revere, or to hold in awe. In this context, it implies a recognition of David's God-given authority and the power of the God he served. The fear of David among the nations was not just a fear of military might but a reverence for the divine backing that David had. This fear was a fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a nation that would be respected and revered by others, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:10, where God promises that all the peoples of the earth will see that Israel is called by the name of the LORD and will fear them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The central figure in this verse, David is the King of Israel, known for his military prowess, leadership, and heart for God. His fame and influence are highlighted here.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His role in David's success and the fear He instilled in the nations surrounding Israel.

3. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples and kingdoms that were aware of David's growing power and influence, leading them to fear Israel.

4. Lands
This term indicates the geographical regions around Israel that were impacted by David's fame and God's actions.

5. Fear
In this context, it refers to a reverential awe and recognition of God's power working through David, causing other nations to respect and fear Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God is the ultimate source of authority and power. David's success and the fear of the nations were due to God's intervention and blessing.

The Impact of Godly Leadership
When leaders follow God's will, their influence extends beyond their immediate context, impacting even those who do not know God.

Reverence for God's Power
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Recognizing God's power leads to a healthy respect and reverence, as seen in the nations' response to David.

The Role of Reputation in Witnessing
A godly reputation can be a powerful witness to others. David's fame was not just about his military success but also about God's presence with him.

Trust in God's Promises
God's promises to His people are sure. Just as He promised to make David's name great, He fulfills His promises to us today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the spread of David's fame reflect God's promises to him, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our reputation reflects God's work in our lives, similar to how David's fame was a testament to God's power?

3. How does the fear of the LORD manifest in our lives today, and how can it influence our interactions with others?

4. What are some modern examples of godly leadership that have impacted nations or communities, and what can we learn from them?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and promises, especially when facing challenges or opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:12-16
This passage describes how Saul feared David because the LORD was with him, similar to how the nations feared David in 1 Chronicles 14:17.

Psalm 18:43-45
David speaks of being delivered from strife with the nations and being made the head of nations, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise and the fear instilled in other nations.

2 Samuel 7:9
God promises to make David's name great, which is seen in the spreading of his fame in 1 Chronicles 14:17.