Topical Encyclopedia The Jebusites were one of the ancient tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the seven nations that the Israelites were commanded to dispossess upon entering the Promised Land. The Jebusites are most notably associated with the city of Jerusalem, which was originally known as Jebus.Biblical References and Historical Context The Jebusites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. This genealogical placement identifies them as part of the broader Canaanite population. In Genesis 15:18-21, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him the land of various tribes, including the Jebusites: "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.'" The Jebusites are also mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 7:1-2, Moses instructs the Israelites: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction." Jerusalem and the Jebusites The city of Jebus, later known as Jerusalem, was a significant stronghold of the Jebusites. In Joshua 15:63, it is noted that the tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem: "But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So the Jebusites dwell with the descendants of Judah in Jerusalem to this day." The Jebusites maintained control of Jerusalem until the time of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7, David captures the city: "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)." Cultural and Religious Practices The Jebusites, like other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheism and were known for their idolatrous worship, which was in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the Jebusites and other Canaanite peoples. In Judges 3:5-6, the Israelites' failure to fully drive out the Canaanite nations, including the Jebusites, led to intermarriage and idolatry: "Thus the Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods." Legacy and Significance The Jebusites' legacy is most prominently tied to the city of Jerusalem, which became the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David and his successors. The capture of Jerusalem marked a significant turning point in Israelite history, as it became the site of the future Temple and the capital of the united monarchy. Despite their initial resistance, the Jebusites were eventually assimilated into the Israelite nation, and their presence in biblical history serves as a testament to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 7:1When the LORD your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you; Nave's Topical Index Library Every Inch a King. Canaan Joshua's Conquest. The Israelites 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Afraid of Giants Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... The Historical Books. The Earlier Hebrew Histories. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Adoni-Bezek? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the Jordan crossing? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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