Topical Encyclopedia The Jebusites were one of the ancient Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. They are most notably associated with the city of Jerusalem, which was originally known as Jebus. The Jebusites are first mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:16).Historical Context The Jebusites occupied a strategic and fortified city, Jebus, which later became Jerusalem. Despite the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the Jebusites maintained control over Jerusalem for several centuries. It was not until the reign of King David that the city was finally captured by the Israelites. David conquered Jerusalem and established it as the political and spiritual capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Jebusites Under Solomon During the reign of King Solomon, the Jebusites, along with other remaining Canaanite peoples, were subjected to forced labor and taxation. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his royal palace, required a large labor force. The Jebusites, as non-Israelite inhabitants, were conscripted for these tasks. The Bible records Solomon's administrative organization and the levies imposed on the remaining Canaanite populations. In 1 Kings 9:20-21 , it states: "As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)—their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day." Role in Solomon's Kingdom The Jebusites, along with other Canaanite groups, played a significant role in the economic and infrastructural development of Solomon's kingdom. Their labor contributed to the prosperity and grandeur of Israel during Solomon's reign. The taxation and labor imposed on the Jebusites were part of Solomon's broader strategy to consolidate his rule and enhance the kingdom's wealth and stability. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the subjugation of the Jebusites and other Canaanite peoples can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The presence of these peoples in the land, however, also served as a continual reminder of Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to fully possess the land and eliminate idolatrous influences. The Jebusites' integration into Israelite society, albeit as laborers, reflects the complex dynamics of Israel's relationship with the surrounding nations. It underscores the tension between God's call for holiness and separation and the practical realities of living among diverse peoples. Legacy The legacy of the Jebusites is intricately tied to the city of Jerusalem, which remains a central and sacred site in biblical history. Their initial resistance and eventual subjugation highlight the transformative power of God's plan for His chosen people, as well as the enduring significance of Jerusalem as a city of great historical and spiritual importance. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 9:20,21And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel, Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Why did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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