Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: City of David

◄ Jerusalem: Called: City of David ►

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Introduction

Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is often referred to as the "City of David." This designation highlights its importance as the political and spiritual center of ancient Israel, particularly during the reign of King David. The city holds a central place in biblical narratives and is a focal point for Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Historical Background

Jerusalem's association with King David begins in the biblical account of his conquest of the city. Prior to David's capture, Jerusalem was known as Jebus and inhabited by the Jebusites. The strategic location of the city made it a desirable capital for David's united kingdom of Israel.

Biblical References

The Bible records David's conquest of Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 5:6-9 : "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. 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). On that day, David had said, 'Whoever wants to strike down the Jebusites must reach the water shaft to attack these 'lame and blind' who are despised by David.' That is why it is said, 'The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.' So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David."

This passage marks the beginning of Jerusalem's transformation into the political and religious heart of Israel. David's establishment of his capital in Jerusalem signified the unification of the tribes of Israel under his rule.

Religious Significance

Jerusalem's religious significance is further underscored by David's decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the city. This act is recorded in 2 Samuel 6:12-17 : "Now it was reported to King David, 'The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and everything he owns because of the ark of God.' So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. When those carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpets."

The presence of the Ark in Jerusalem established the city as the spiritual center of Israel, a status that would be solidified with the construction of the Temple by David's son, Solomon.

Legacy

The designation "City of David" not only reflects the historical and political achievements of King David but also symbolizes the enduring spiritual legacy of Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible, Jerusalem is depicted as the city chosen by God, a place of divine presence and prophetic significance. The Psalms frequently celebrate Jerusalem's role as the city of God, as seen in Psalm 48:1-2 : "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King."

Conclusion

Jerusalem's identity as the "City of David" is deeply embedded in its historical, political, and religious significance. As the capital of David's kingdom and the site of the Ark of the Covenant, Jerusalem became the heart of Israel's national and spiritual life, a legacy that continues to resonate throughout biblical history and beyond.

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2 Samuel 5:7
Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
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Isaiah 22:9
You have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool.
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Library

How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ...
... It was David, therefore, who first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, and called
it by his own name, The City of David: for under our forefather Abraham it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how david laid.htm

Jerusalem Made the Capital City
... David and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the people of the land
who had ... He also built a wall around it, and called it the City of David. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jerusalem made the capital city.htm

The Entry into Jerusalem.
... with ceaseless shoutings that were heard across the valley in the streets of Jerusalem
itself, and ... This part of the city was called "the city of David ...
/.../ii the entry into jerusalem.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... was [there] the first priest of God, and first built a temple [there], and called
the city Jerusalem, which was formerly called Salem. However, David, the king ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... Hebrews, they made war against him at Jerusalem; and when ... had seized upon that valley
which is called The Valley ... is a place not far from the city, they pitched ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... for he thought the wails that encompassed Jerusalem ought to ... certain place called
Ezion-geber: it is now called Berenice, and is not far from the city Eloth ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
... valley or street that runs between Jerusalem and Sion ... Seventy read, "the fortification
of the city of David ... uttermost part of Sion, which was called Millo, more ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 24 some buildings in.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three walls ... hills, that which contains
the upper city is much ... Accordingly, it was called the "Citadel," by king David ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... The Temple called thousands of priests, many of them with ... But in Jerusalem it seemed
as if he had gathered ... the north-western angle of the Upper City, close by ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Every Inch a King.
... The city was Jerusalem, and the stronghold was Zion, and ... Now David called together
the flower of all Israel, thirty ... went to bring the Ark to the city of David. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm