Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Conquest of, Made by David

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The conquest of Jerusalem by King David marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, establishing the city as the political and spiritual center of Israel. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

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 its central location, Jerusalem remained unconquered during the initial Israelite invasion under Joshua. The city's formidable defenses and strategic position made it a significant challenge for any would-be conqueror.

David's Ascension and Motivation

David, anointed as king over all Israel, sought to unify the tribes and establish a central capital. Hebron, his initial capital, was located in the territory of Judah, his own tribe. To foster unity among the tribes, David needed a neutral site that was not associated with any particular tribe. Jerusalem, located on the border between Judah and Benjamin, was ideally situated for this purpose.

The Conquest

The account of David's conquest of Jerusalem is found in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:4-9. 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 highlights their confidence in the city's defenses. However, David's forces managed to penetrate the stronghold. The method of entry is further detailed in 1 Chronicles 11:6 , where David declares, "Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief and commander." Joab, son of Zeruiah, led the charge and was subsequently appointed as chief.

Strategic and Spiritual Significance

David's capture of Jerusalem was not merely a military victory; it held profound strategic and spiritual implications. By establishing his capital in Jerusalem, David united the northern and southern tribes under a single monarchy. The city became the political heart of Israel, symbolizing the unity and strength of the nation.

Spiritually, Jerusalem's significance would only grow. David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6, further solidifying its status as the religious center of Israel. This act foreshadowed the future construction of the Temple by David's son, Solomon, which would make Jerusalem the focal point of Jewish worship.

Legacy

David's conquest of Jerusalem laid the foundation for its enduring legacy as a city of great importance in biblical history. It became known as the "City of David" and would later be the site of Solomon's Temple, the center of Jewish worship, and the backdrop for many significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. The city's capture marked the beginning of its central role in the religious and political life of Israel, a role that continues to resonate throughout Judeo-Christian tradition.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 5:7
Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

To Whose Person the Entreaty for the Promises is to be Understood ...
... those servants of God who, on the conquest of the ... people of God belonging to the
heavenly Jerusalem, whether for ... on account of the temple of God, made of men ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 to whose person the.htm

The Reign of David.
... somewhat as follows: (1) His capture of Jerusalem (formerly called ... David's foreign
policy was one of conquest. ... He also made an alliance with Hiram, the king of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the ... The completeness of the Philistine conquest
is marked, not ... Observe the expression that David 'made a league with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

Results of Transgression
... the impression that God designed should be made upon all ... No dream of earthly conquest,
of worldly greatness ... on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem
... Vespasian, After He Had Taken Gadara Made Preparation For ... That Upon The Conquest
And Slaughter Of Vitellius ... To Rome; But Titus His Son Returned To Jerusalem. ...
/.../josephus/the wars of the jews or history of the destruction of jerusalem/

Book 5 Footnotes
... himself having never had any promise made him that ... 9, and of this its siege and conquest
now by ... Josephus applies to the whole city Jerusalem, though including ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Questions.
... 30. What wickedness was being perpetrated at Jerusalem? 31. ... 23. Who was the successor
of Simon? 24. What conquest was made by John Hyrcanus? 25. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... The rulers of Hamath who made alliance with David bear ... The crown-prince came himself
to Jerusalem, bringing with ... Hadad-ezer was aiming at the conquest of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Milcom that Solomon erected an altar at Jerusalem, in honour ... One of them, Eglon,
made himself master of ... Palestine shortly after the Israelitish conquest of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... every battle is with blood, and every conquest is with ... a bedridden woman in the back
streets of Jerusalem, that sat ... he says""Lord, I would be made whole." He ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm