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Joshua 6:27
So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame wasnoised throughout all the country.

2 Chronicles 26:8
And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroadeven to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthenedhimself exceedingly.

Psalm 18:44
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

the fear of him

Exodus 15:14-16
The people shall hear,and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina…

Deuteronomy 2:25
This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nationsthat are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Deuteronomy 11:25
There shall no man be able to stand before you:for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

and the LORD caused all nations to fear him
The fear of David among the nations was not merely due to his military might but was divinely orchestrated. This fear can be seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel, where He promised to protect and establish them as a powerful nation (Deuteronomy 28:10). The phrase underscores the theological theme that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations, using David as His instrument. This divine intervention is reminiscent of the fear that fell upon the nations during the Exodus (Exodus 15:14-16). In a typological sense, David's role as a king who brings peace and security foreshadows the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom will be established in righteousness and feared by all nations (Philippians 2:9-11).

• The verse follows two decisive victories over the Philistines (1 Chronicles 14:8-16). Word of those triumphs spread far beyond Israel’s borders.

• Scripture consistently shows God promising to magnify David’s name: “I will make for you a name like the names of the greatest men on earth” (2 Samuel 7:9). Here that promise is coming to pass in real time.

• David’s renown was rooted in God’s works, not self-promotion. Earlier we read, “David continued to succeed in all his ways, for the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14). Every report about his victories pointed listeners to the God who empowered him.

• By elevating David’s reputation, the Lord was also elevating His own—much as He later did through Solomon (1 Kings 4:34) and through the early church (Acts 2:47).

• Practical takeaway: When God’s people walk in obedience, He is able to use their faithfulness to broadcast His glory well beyond their immediate circle.

• The verse puts the spotlight squarely on God’s initiative: “the LORD caused.” David’s military skill was real, yet the text credits divine intervention for the awe that fell on surrounding peoples.

• This continues a pattern stretching back to the Exodus: “This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples under heaven” (Deuteronomy 2:25). Centuries later, Jehoshaphat experienced the same phenomenon (2 Chronicles 17:10).

• The “fear” here is not merely panic but a sober recognition that Israel’s God defends His anointed king.Psalm 18:43 captures the thought: “You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me”.

• God’s purpose was covenantal. By protecting David, He safeguarded the royal line that would lead to Messiah (Luke 1:32-33). The respect—or dread—of the nations created breathing room for Israel to worship freely and for David to prepare for the building of the temple (1 Chronicles 22:17-19).

• Practical takeaway: When the Lord establishes His authority through His people, even opponents must acknowledge His power (Proverbs 16:7). Our role is to remain surrendered; His role is to bring the results.

1 Chronicles 14:17 records more than a military footnote; it showcases God fulfilling His promise to exalt David and protect Israel. David’s expanding fame testified to the Lord’s faithfulness, while the fear falling on the nations protected God’s people and advanced His redemptive plan. The verse invites us to trust the same God who still magnifies His name through obedient servants and faithfully shields them for His purposes.

The fame of David went out.--David's name. The same phrase recurs in2Chronicles 26:15.

All lands.--All the lands. (Comp.Psalm 19:4.)

And the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.--Yet this fear was, as we should say, the natural effect of his victories. In the view of the chronicler, David's success in arms, with all its consequences, was the work of Jehovah. The Hebrew phrase is similar to that inEsther 8:17. . . .

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