Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Makes Conquest of Jerusalem

◄ David: King of Israel: Makes Conquest of Jerusalem ►

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, renowned for his military prowess, leadership, and deep faith in God. One of the pivotal moments in his reign was the conquest of Jerusalem, which established the city as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Background

Before David's conquest, Jerusalem was a Jebusite stronghold. The Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe that inhabited the land prior to the Israelite settlement. Despite the Israelites' earlier attempts to capture the city, Jerusalem remained under Jebusite control during the period of the Judges and the reign of King Saul.

The Conquest

David's conquest of Jerusalem is recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:4-9. After being anointed king over all Israel, David sought to establish a capital that was centrally located and politically neutral, as it was not previously held by any of the Israelite tribes. Jerusalem, situated on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, was an ideal choice.

According to 2 Samuel 5:6-7 , "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. And the Jebusites said to David, 'You will never get in here; even the blind and lame can repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)."

The Jebusites' taunt reflects their confidence in the city's defenses, which were considered impregnable. However, David's strategic acumen and reliance on God's guidance led to a successful assault. The account in 1 Chronicles 11:6 adds that David offered the position of chief and commander to whoever led the attack, and Joab, son of Zeruiah, rose to the challenge, securing his position as David's military leader.

Significance

The capture of Jerusalem was a significant achievement for David. It not only demonstrated his military skill but also fulfilled a divine purpose. By establishing Jerusalem as the capital, David united the tribes of Israel and laid the groundwork for the city's future as the spiritual heart of the nation. The city became known as the "City of David," symbolizing his enduring legacy.

Furthermore, Jerusalem's conquest had theological implications. It was here that David would later bring the Ark of the Covenant, signifying God's presence among His people. This act further solidified Jerusalem's status as the religious center of Israel and foreshadowed the construction of the Temple by David's son, Solomon.

Legacy

David's conquest of Jerusalem marked the beginning of a new era for the Israelites. The city would become the focal point of Jewish worship and identity, a status it retains to this day. David's choice of Jerusalem as his capital was a divinely inspired decision that shaped the history and faith of Israel for generations.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 5:6
And the king and his men went to Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spoke to David, saying, Except you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here: thinking, David cannot come in here.
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1 Chronicles 11:4-8
And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.
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Isaiah 29:1
Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelled! add you year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
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Library

The Reign of David.
... He not only defended Israel but subdued other nations ... Saul's stead, he remained
perfectly loyal to Saul as king. ... of Jesus in the Old Testament David is probably ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab. ... Slew Her And Made Jehoash, The Son
Of Ahaziah, King. ... Makes An Expedition Against The People Of Israel And The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... deed, and then slew seventy thousand of David's subjects for ... writings of the later
period of Israel Daniel is ... it purports to have been composed by King Solomon ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... they imagined that He might probably restore to Israel the kingdom ... And now, e'en
now, thou Son of David, purge out ... We ask it, O thou great King, for thine own ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... [11] David's reserving only ... he had taken from Hadadezer, was most probably in compliance
with the law of Moses, which forbade a king of Israel "to multiply ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... In Israel these two offices were jealously kept apart, and ... is Aaron's mitre, and
more than David's crown. ... our desecrated spirits there comes the King of Glory. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

The Minstrel
... even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my ... Ah, my brethren, David as a musician
is one of a ... notes will run thus: "Truly God is good to Israel, even to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/the minstrel.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... as has for its foundation the return of Israel to the ... were by our own vote, Christ
as our King." That the ... his case, as well as that of David subsequently, the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Bible
... Son of Abraham. Son of David. Son of Mary. Son of Man. God the Son. King of the
Jews. King of Israel. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. God the Creator. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. ... with what he was qualified,
he next makes relation of ... the destruction of Jerusalem by the king of Babylon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm