1 Crônicas 14
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Crônicas 14
Meyer - Our Daily Homily - And David took him more wives out of Jerusalem. This is terribly disappointing! According to the ideas of the surrounding nations, the greatness of a monarch was gauged by the extent of his harem. But the law of Moses put severe restraint on the multiplication of wives, “that his heart turn not away” (Deuteronomy 17:17). It seems as though the soul of David sank into sensual indulgence and luxuriance. It lost much of its early hardihood and strength in consequence; and at this period of his life those seeds were sown, which in after years brought forth such a plentiful and terrible harvest of anguish, murder, and impurity in his family. Few of us realize how much our character owes to the stern discipline to which God subjects us. The only way to keep us healthy and vigorous is to send us many a nipping frost, many a keen northern blast. The bleak hillside breeds stronger natures than the warm sheltered valley. The difference between Anglo-Saxon and Negro is largely wrought by temperature and soil. The campaign, with its strain on every power of endurance, trains better soldiers than the barracks. As David was a stronger, better man, when hunted like a coney in the rocks of Engedi, so are we braced to a nobler life, when all things seem against us. Few of us can be trusted with unbroken happiness. God is compelled to withhold what the flesh craves. But where prosperity has shone on your path, be very careful not to abuse it. Consider it as indicating God’s loving trust in you. He would rather convey His lesson in sunshine than in storm. But walk carefully and humbly, looking to Him constantly for daily grace, and never relaxing the girdle about the loin. QUESTION - Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? (Watch associated video) ANSWER - The question of polygamy is interesting in that most people today view polygamy as immoral while the Bible nowhere explicitly condemns it. The first instance of polygamy/bigamy in the Bible is that of Lamech in Genesis 4:19: “Lamech married two women.” Several prominent men in the Old Testament were polygamists. Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others all had multiple wives. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (essentially wives of a lower status), according to 1 Kings 11:3. What are we to make of these instances of polygamy in the Old Testament? There are three questions that need to be answered: 1) Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? 2) How does God view polygamy today? 3) Why did it change? 1) Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? The Bible does not specifically say why God allowed polygamy, and we must remember that allowance is not the same as approval. As we speculate about God’s permissive silence, there is at least one key factor to consider. In patriarchal societies, it was nearly impossible for an unmarried woman to provide for herself. Women were often uneducated and untrained. Women relied on their fathers, brothers, and husbands for provision and protection. Unmarried women were often subjected to prostitution and slavery. So, God may have allowed polygamy to protect and provide for the women who otherwise may have been left destitute. A man would take multiple wives and serve as the provider and protector of all of them. While definitely not ideal, living in a polygamist household was far better than the alternative of prostitution, slavery, or starvation. In addition to the protection/provision factor, polygamy enabled a much faster expansion of humanity, fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth” (Genesis 9:7). 2) How does God view polygamy today? Even while recording cases of polygamy, the Bible presents monogamy as the plan that conforms most closely to God’s ideal for marriage. The Bible says that God’s original intention was for one man to be married to only one woman: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife [not wives], and they will become one flesh [not fleshes]” (Genesis 2:24). The consistent use of the singular in this verse should be noted. Later, in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, God says that the kings were not to multiply wives (or horses or gold). While this cannot be interpreted as a command that kings must be monogamous, it does indicate that having multiple wives causes problems. Such problems can be clearly seen in the life of Solomon (1 Kings 11:3–4). In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 3:2, 12 and Titus 1:6 list being “the husband of one wife” as a qualification for spiritual leadership in the church. The phrase could literally be translated “a one-woman man.” However broadly or narrowly that qualification should be applied, in no sense can a polygamist be considered a “one-woman man.” Is the prohibition of polygamy only for elders and deacons, the “example-setters”? No, the standard of monogamy should apply to all Christians. Ephesians 5:22–33 speaks of the relationship between husbands and wives. When referring to a husband (singular), the passage always also refers to a wife (singular). “For the husband is the head of the wife [singular]. . . . He who loves his wife [singular] loves himself. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife [singular], and the two will become one flesh. . . . Each one of you also must love his wife [singular] as he loves himself, and the wife [singular] must respect her husband [singular].” Further, if polygamy were allowable, the illustration of Christ’s relationship with His Body (the Church) falls apart (Ephesians 5:32). In Colossians 3:18–19, Paul refers to husbands and wives in the plural, but in that passage it is clear that he is addressing all the husbands and wives among the Colossian believers. 3) Why did it change? It is not so much that God disallowed something He had previously allowed as it is that God restored marriage to His original plan. As seen in Genesis 2, polygamy was not God’s original intent. God seems to have allowed polygamy to solve a problem, but that solution was not the ideal. In most modern societies, there is absolutely no need for polygamy. In most cultures today, women are able to provide for and protect themselves—removing the only “positive” aspect of polygamy. Further, most modern nations outlaw polygamy. According to Romans 13:1–7, we are to obey the laws the government establishes, including laws prohibiting polygamy. Are there some instances in which the allowance for polygamy would still apply today? Perhaps, but it is unfathomable that there would be no other solution. Due to the “one flesh” aspect of marriage, the need for oneness and harmony in marriage, and the lack of any real need for polygamy, it is our firm belief that polygamy does not honor God and is not His design for marriage.GotQuestions.org QUESTION - How many children did King David have? ANSWER - David had eight named wives, others unnamed, and an unknown number of concubines. From these unions, the Bible names nineteen sons and one daughter, Tamar (1 Chronicles 3:1–9). If we count the son who died in infancy after having been conceived through David’s adulterous relationship with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16–23), David had at least twenty-one children by his wives, plus an unknown number by his many concubines. These are the named children, plus a little information about each of them: 1) Amnon. David’s firstborn by his wife Ahinoam was a man of low character and driven by lust. He became obsessed with his half-sister Tamar (daughter of Maakah) and lured her to his room on false pretenses so he could rape her. He was later murdered in revenge by Tamar’s full brother, Absalom (2 Samuel 13) 2) Daniel. Nothing is known of David’s second son, born to his wife Abigail. 3) Absalom. Third in line, Absalom is one of David’s most notorious sons. A son of David’s wife Maakah, Absalom was hot-tempered and power-hungry. He planned out the murder of his half-brother Amnon to avenge the rape of his sister, and then he plotted to steal his father’s throne. He drew a following in Jerusalem, and David was forced to flee the city. To help complete his coup, Absalom had sex with David’s concubines in view of everyone. He died in battle when Joab, commander of David’s army, killed him. See 2 Samuel 13—19. 4) Adonijah. David’s fourth son, by his wife Haggith, was handsome and undisciplined (1 Kings 1:6). He is known for a failed attempt to become king of Israel after his father died (1 Kings 1:9). Adonijah was eventually executed by his half-brother Solomon, the rightful king, for continued insurrection and attempts to steal the throne (1 Kings 2:23–25). 5) Shephatiah. Nothing is known of David’s fifth son, born to his wife Abital. 6) Ithream. Nothing is known of this son by David’s wife Eglah. 7) Shimea (Shammua). A son of Bathsheba, David’s seventh son was born in Jerusalem, but nothing else is known about him. 8) Shobab. Another son of Bathsheba; nothing else is known about him. 9) Nathan. David’s eighth son was also Bathsheba’s, and nothing else is known of him. We can surmise that Nathan was named after the prophet Nathan, who had a long-term association with David. 10) Solomon (also called Jedidiah). David’s most famous son was also by Bathsheba. God chose Solomon to become the next king of Israel. God offered to grant Solomon anything he asked for. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule the people well (1 Kings 3:4–15). God was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He granted the wisdom and also gave him unmatched wealth and a long life. Solomon was the author of most of the Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and the book of Ecclesiastes. David’s remaining children were born in Jerusalem, but we don’t know much else about them: 11) Ibhar 12) Elishama 13) Eliphelet 14) Nogah 15) Nepheg 16) Japhia 17) Elishama 18) Eliada 19) Eliphelet 20) Tamar. We do not know Tamar’s position in the birth order, but do know she was the daughter of Maakah. We are told of her rape at the hands of her half-brother Amnon and that afterwards she lived in isolation at her brother Absalom’s house (2 Samuel 13:20). David had a son named Jerimoth, who is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:18. It’s not clear whether he is one of the sons mentioned above (using another name) or if he was one of David’s sons by a concubine. It is likely that David had many more sons and daughters who are not recorded in Scripture, as he had more wives and concubines than the ones who are identified (1 Chronicles 3:9).GotQuestions.org 1 Chronicles 14:4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Shammua : 1Ch 3:5-9, Shimea, 2Sa 5:14, Shammuah Nathan : 2Sa 12:1 Lu 3:31 Solomon : 1Ch 22:9-12 28:5,6 2Sa 12:24,25 1Ki 1:13,17 2:15 3:3,5-11 Mt 1:6 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 3:2-5+ Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron. These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon (see David's family tree above - one is more detailed) QUESTION - Who are the sons of David mentioned in the Bible? ANSWER - First Chronicles 3:1–9 lists the sons of David. The list reads like this: "These were the sons of David born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second, Daniel the son of Abigail of Carmel; the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah. These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, and these were the children born to him there: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. These four were by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel. There were also Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet—nine in all. All these were the sons of David, besides his sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister." Breaking down this list, we first have David’s six sons born in Hebron: 1) Amnon, 2) Daniel, 3) Absalom, 4) Adonijah, 5) Shephatiah, and 6) Ithream. Next, we have the thirteen sons born to David in Jerusalem: 7) Shimea, 8) Shobab, 9) Nathan, 10) Solomon, 11) Ibhar, 12) Elishama, 13) Eliphelet, 14) Nogah, 15) Nepheg, 16) Japhia, 17) Elishama, 18) Eliada, and 19) Eliphelet. In addition to the nineteen sons David had by his wives were a number of unnamed sons David fathered through his concubines. He also had a daughter named Tamar. Another son named Jerimoth is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:18, although it is unclear whether he is one of the sons mentioned above (using another name) or one of David’s sons by a concubine. David also had a son with Bathsheba before she bore Solomon. This son died seven days after his birth (2 Samuel 12:16–23), and it is possible that he is not included in this list. If so, the sons of David with his wives would total at least 20. To that total we would add all the unnamed sons of his concubines. At least three of David’s sons died during David’s lifetime. In addition to the death of Bathsheba’s first son were the deaths of his sons Amnon and Absalom. Another son, Adonijah, was executed shortly after David’s death for trying to usurp the throne (1 Kings 2:25). David’s son Solomon succeeded him as king and later built the temple of the Lord that David had dreamed of building. Ultimately, Jesus Christ was born as a descendant of David (Matthew 1:1), providing a fulfillment of prophecy and bestowing the greatest possible honor to King David. GotQuestions.org 1 Chronicles 14:5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Elishua : 1Ch 3:6, Elishama ("my God has heard" "God of hearing"),, 2Sa 5:15 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet ("God is deliverance") - (see David's family tree above) Believer's Study Bible - Two additional sons, Elpelet (v. 5) and Nogah (v. 6), are listed among these children born to David in Jerusalem (cf. 2 Sam. 5:13-16). Their omission in the parallel account suggests that they may have died in infancy or youth and that no political significance was attached to them. 1 Chronicles 14:6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia (see David's family tree above) 1 Chronicles 14:7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet. Beeliada : Probably Beeliada is a mistake for Eliada, as the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic read here. 2Sa 5:16, Eliada and Eliphalet : 1Ch 3:8, Eliphelet, This variation merely arises from the change of a vowel. Here we have 13 persons mentioned, but only 11 in Samuel; and it is probable that the duplicate Elishama and Eliphelet dying when young, were therefore omitted in the latter. Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet (see David's family tree above) 1 Chronicles 14:8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up in search of David; and David heard of it and went out against them. B.C. 1047, An, Ex, Is, 444 when : 1Sa 21:11 2Sa 5:17-25 anointed : 1Ch 11:3 2Sa 5:3 all the Philistines : Ps 2:1-6 Rev 11:15-18 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 5:17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David; and when David heard of it, he went down to the stronghold. PHILISTINE'S MOVE STIMULATES DAVID TO ATTACK When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel - All Israel means a united nation. David had been no great threat when the nation was divided, but an united Israel was a different matter. The Philistines hear the news of David's coronation and do not like what they hear! Can you imagine what must have gone through the mind of Achish (if he was still alive) of Gath, the city a younger fugitive David had sojourned in twice? THOUGHT - What's the message for all of us? Be alert for attack when you experience God's hand of blessing/exaltation!!! all the Philistines went up in search of David; and David heard of it and went out against them. First note the adjective all, which would suggest that there was a unified effort of all 5 Philistine city states. And recall the Philistines were still occupying the heartland of Israel as a result of Saul's defeat. So this "seeking" was not to have a peace conference with King David, but to instigate war with him. Presumably, they would have reasoned, "Let's attack him now before he becomes strong (although he was already being prospered by the LORD)." 1 Chronicles 14:9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. the valley : 1Ch 11:15 2Sa 5:18 23:13 Isa 17:5 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 5:18+ Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. The valley of Rephaim (see map above and map below) is close to Jerusalem lying on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (cf. Josh. 15:8; 18:16), and does not refer to the Baqa Valley, which was known by the same name but was far to the north on the east side of Jordan. The valley of Rephaim was the most direct approach to Jerusalem from Philistia. This valley is a battleground between David and the Philistines on more than one occasion (2Sa 5:18, 22; 2Sa 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 14:9) probably because of its direct approach to Jerusalem. Walton on Valley of Rephaim (SEE ALSO WIKIPEDIA) - As the Sorek Valley moves eastward out of the Shephelah near Beth Shemesh, it breaks into several passes into the hills around Jerusalem. The Sorek Valley at one point turns northeast toward Gibeon, while the Valley of Rephaim turns east-southeast toward the area between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It joins the north-south road from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and then heads northeast into Jerusalem. This would be a strategic location for the Philistines to cut David off from potential reinforcements from Judah. (See page 329 in IVP Background Commentary - OT) NAVE'S on VALLEY OF REPHAIM - A fertile valley between Judah and Benjamin, Josh. 15:8; 18:16. Battle ground of David and the Philistines, 2Sa 5:18, 22; 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 14:9. Productiveness of, Isa. 17:5. EASTON'S DICTIONARY - VALLEY OF REPHAIM - (Josh. 15:8; 18:16, R.V.). When David became king over all Israel, the Philistines, judging that he would now become their uncompromising enemy, made a sudden attack upon Hebron, compelling David to retire from it. He sought refuge in "the hold" at Adullam (2 Sam. 5:17-22), and the Philistines took up their position in the valley of Rephaim, on the west and south-west of Jerusalem. Thus all communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was intercepted. While David and his army were encamped here, there occurred that incident narrated in 2 Sam. 23:15-17. Having obtained divine direction, David led his army against the Philistines, and gained a complete victory over them. The scene of this victory was afterwards called Baal-perazim (q.v.). A second time, however, the Philistines rallied their forces in this valley (2 Sam. 5:22). Again warned by a divine oracle, David led his army to Gibeon, and attacked the Philistines from the south, inflicting on them another severe defeat, and chasing them with great slaughter to Gezer (q.v.). There David kept in check these enemies of Israel. This valley is now called el-Bukei'a. Wycliffe Bible Commentary has a good summary of chapters in First Chronicles which parallel chapters 5-10 in Second Samuel writing that "2Sa 5-10 - 1 Chronicles 11:1-20:3 thus parallels and amplifies 2Sa 5-10 (omitting ch. 9, David's personal kindness to Mephibosheth). It describes his capture of Jerusalem, to become "the city of David," his political capital, together with his military supporters (1Chr 11:1-47, 1Chr 12:1-40). It recounts his winning of independence from the Philistines (1Chr 14:1-17) and his centralizing of worship by his installation of the ark in Jerusalem, which thus became Israel's religious capital as well (1Chr 13:1-14; 1Chr 15:1-29; 1Chr 16:1-43). It records the advance of his, armies, victorious in every direction (1Chr 18:1-17, 1Chr 19:1-19;1Chr 20:1-8). The climax appears in God's prophecy through Nathan (1Chr 17:1-27): "I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and... I will subdue all thine enemies" (1Ch 17:8, 10). For this message of hope applies not only to David, but to "My people Israel.... for a great while to come" (1Chr 17:9, 17); to the struggling community of Ezra; to the church of that greater Son of David, of whom God said, "He shall be my Son" (1Chr 17:13); and to the kingdom, which is yet to be consummated, of the Messiah, whose "throne shall be established for evermore" (1Chr 17:14). Two Victories David inquired of the Lord. —2 Samuel 5:19 King David was up against a familiar foe. Years before as a young shepherd boy, he had faced down Goliath, the top Philistine warrior, by killing him with a well-placed stone (1 Sam. 17). Now David was king of Israel, and here come the Philistines again! They heard he was king, and they decided to attack (2 Sam. 5:17). What do we do first when trouble is on the way? We could panic. We could plan. Or we could first do what David did—pray. “David inquired of the Lord” (v.19), and God guided the king. David had to fight two battles with the Philistines—one at Baal Perazim and one at the Valley of Rephaim. It was a good thing he consulted God, because in these two battles there were two different strategies. In the first one, God won the battle with His power alone: “The Lord has broken through,” David recorded (v.20). For the next one, God gave David an action plan, and when he carried it out, the Israelites won (vv.23-25). Each day we face many challenges. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, our first action should always be to consult God. As He guides us, we can have confidence in Him. Then, whether the victory comes through His miraculous intervention or through His guidance, all the glory goes to God.— by Dave Branon Not to the strong is the battle, Not to the swift is the race; Yet to the true and the faithful Victory is promised through grace. —Crosby To stand up to any challenge, spend time on your knees. 1 Chronicles 14:10 David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?" Then the LORD said to him, "Go up, for I will give them into your hand." inquired : 1Ch 14:14 13:3 1Sa 23:2-4,9-12 2Sa 2:1 2Sa 5:19,23 Shall I go : 1Sa 30:8 Pr 3:6 Go up : Jdg 4:6,7 1Ki 22:6,15-17 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 2:1+ Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” 1 Samuel 23:2; 4+ So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.” 4 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Samuel 30:7; 8+ Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.” Judges 4:6-7+ Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, “Behold, the LORD, the God of Israel, has commanded, ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor (MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY), and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun. 7 ‘I will draw out to you Sisera (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY), the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon, and I will give him into your hand (yad) (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY).’” DAVID'S "BATTLE PLAIN" SEEK GOD'S GUIDANCE David inquired of God - How? The text does not say but recall he had previously called for the priest Abiathar to bring the ephod (1Sa 30:7-8+) and it is reasonable to assume that this may be how he inquired in this passage. What does David's seeking Yahweh show about David? Clearly it demonstrates that he is acknowledging that he is dependent on the LORD and is willing to humble himself and seek him instead of relying on his own clever plans. Again David gives us a great pattern to imitate when the Philistines are mustering against us! One is reminded of those great words in Zechariah 4:6 "‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts (armies, Sabaoth)." Note 2 inquiries and 2 answers in this section (1Ch 10:10,14). Does not this section encourage us to pray (especially with "attacked" by enemies from without and within)? Mabie - David’s seeking of God stands in sharp contrast to Saul, who either did not inquire of God (cf. 1Ch 10:13–14) or sought insight from pagan sources (cf. 1Sa 28:7–25). Moreover, the Chronicler illustrates that God brings success to David as “David did as God commanded him” (1Ch 14:16), an important spiritual lesson for the Chronicler’s audience and God’s people at all times
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Meyer - “It was not merely a fitful breeze stealing through the leaves; it was not the going of the wind; but of angel squadrons who were proceeding against the enemies of Israel.” Spurgeon on sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees - “As the Rabbis have it, and it is a very pretty conceit if it be true, the footsteps of angels walking along the tops of the mulberry trees make them rustle; that was the sign for them to fight, when God’s cherubim were going with them, when they should come, who can walk through the clouds and fly through the air, led by the great Captain himself, walking along the mulberry trees, and so make a rustle by their celestial footsteps.” Then - This time phrase always begs the question "When?" Sometimes the answer is very obvious as in this passage, but it is still worth pausing to ponder. The answer is when you hear the supernatural sound. Then...move out! Andrew Hill - . Instead of meeting the enemy in a head-on clash, David is instructed to entrap the enemy by circling around the Philistine army. The divine signal for engaging the enemy is most unusual, as David and his army are cautioned to wait for the “sound of marching” in the treetops before attacking (1Ch 14:15). The rustling of the leaves in the trees is most likely the Spirit of God, since David is told God will go before him in battle. The noise, perhaps akin to soldiers’ feet rushing into battle, is designed to confuse the Philistine army (cf. 2 Kings 7:6). David and the Israelites rout the Philistines and drive them in a northwesterly direction away from Jerusalem through Gibeon (or Gibeah?; cf. “Geba” in 2 Sam. 5:25) to Gezer (1 Chron. 14:16). Selman thinks it was "An army of angels would move ahead of David’s and strike the Philistines. David could not see the angelic force, but he would hear them as they marched above the balsam treetops." You shall go out to battle - When God gives this sign to move out, you need to move out immediately!
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Meyer - 1 Chronicles 14:15 Then thou shalt go out to battle; for God is gone forth before thee. What was this “going”? It was not merely a fitful breeze stealing through the leaves; it was not the going of the wind; but of angel squadrons who were proceeding against the enemies of Israel. This thought often occurs in Scripture— as when Jacob met God’s host; and the warrior-Savior told Joshua that He was captain of a host whom God had commissioned to take Jericho; so also the horses and chariots of fire surrounded Elisha. Hearken to the measured footfall of God’s host, beneath which the mulberry trees sway, though no wind stirs the sultry air. God’s hosts go forth against His foes and ours. Perhaps we should feel less oppressed with the burden of the fight if we realized this. The battle is not ours, but God’s. He will deliver the Philistines to us so that we shall have to do little else than fight and spoil. Oh, believe in the co-operation of the Holy Spirit. Lonely missionary in some distant station of the foreign field, listen for the moving in the tops of the mulberry trees! God is stirring for thy succor. Thou art a coworker with Him in making known His salvation; and He will prosper thee. Let us wait for our instructions. David inquired of the Lord; let us not anticipate Him. It is useless to go up until He has gone out before us. We may as well save ourselves from disappointment by quietly waiting for the salvation of our God. But oh, be sure that those who wait for God shall not be long before the God for whom they wait shall go forth before them to smite the host, whether it be the hosts of temptation that oppress the inner life, or the hosts of spiritual foes that oppose the progress of God’s work.