What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:9? So David took up residence in the fortress “ So David took up residence in the fortress ” (2 Samuel 5:9a). • This verse follows David’s capture of Zion, the stronghold of the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-7). • By moving in, David establishes Jerusalem—strategically located and previously unconquered—as Israel’s new political and military center (Psalm 125:2; Isaiah 2:3). • The action fulfills God’s promise to give David rest from his enemies (2 Samuel 7:1) and points ahead to the secure refuge God provides His people (Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 18:10). and called it the City of David “ … and called it the City of David ” (2 Samuel 5:9b). • Renaming the fortress personalizes the capital, tying the city’s identity to the covenant king (1 Chronicles 11:7). • The title endures through Scripture, even for Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:11), underscoring God’s continuing plan through David’s line (2 Samuel 7:16; Jeremiah 33:17). • The designation highlights God’s faithfulness in exalting the humble shepherd to national prominence (1 Samuel 16:11-13; Psalm 78:70-71). He built it up all the way around “ He built it up all the way around ” (2 Samuel 5:9c). • David fortifies Jerusalem’s walls, expanding the city beyond the original stronghold (1 Chronicles 11:8; 1 Kings 9:15). • The work reflects prudent stewardship: securing what God has given (Nehemiah 4:14; Proverbs 24:27). • It also prefigures the coming kingdom when peace and security will be complete under the Messiah (Isaiah 9:7; Zechariah 2:5). from the supporting terraces inward “ … from the supporting terraces inward ” (2 Samuel 5:9d). • “Supporting terraces” refer to stepped structures buttressing the hillside—preventing erosion and creating space for dwellings (2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 32:5). • David’s construction shows thoughtful urban planning, enhancing livability for his growing population (Psalm 122:3-4). • Spiritually, it pictures how God builds His people layer by layer, providing stable foundations (Psalm 127:1; Ephesians 2:19-22). summary David’s move into Zion, renaming it the City of David, and strengthening its defenses mark the tangible beginning of his God-ordained rule. The verse shows a king trusting God’s promise, wisely securing his realm, and setting the stage for the messianic hope that flows through his lineage. Our takeaway: embrace God’s provisions, fortify what He entrusts, and look forward to the perfected kingdom He guarantees. |
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