Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Inhabitants of, not Expelled

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a central location in the narrative of the Israelites. One of the recurring themes in the biblical account of Jerusalem is the presence of its original inhabitants, who were not fully expelled by the Israelites despite divine instructions to do so.

Biblical Context

The city of Jerusalem, originally known as Jebus, was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan and drive out its inhabitants. However, the complete expulsion of the Jebusites from Jerusalem was not accomplished during the initial conquest.

In the Book of Joshua, the failure to fully expel the Jebusites is noted: "But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So to this day, the Jebusites live there with the descendants of Judah" (Joshua 15:63). This verse highlights the incomplete conquest and the coexistence of the Israelites and the Jebusites in Jerusalem.

The Period of the Judges

During the period of the Judges, the Israelites continued to struggle with the presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem. The Book of Judges reiterates this situation: "But the Benjamites failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day, the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites" (Judges 1:21). This persistent presence of the Jebusites is indicative of the broader challenges faced by the Israelites in fully claiming the Promised Land.

David's Conquest

It was not until the reign of King David that Jerusalem was fully captured and established as the political and spiritual center of Israel. David successfully conquered the city, as recorded in 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)" .

David's conquest of Jerusalem marked a significant turning point, as the city became the capital of the united kingdom of Israel and the site of the future Temple, which his son Solomon would build.

Theological Implications

The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem, despite the divine mandate to expel them, serves as a reminder of the Israelites' struggles with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. It underscores the theme of incomplete obedience and the consequences that arise from failing to fully carry out God's instructions.

Moreover, the eventual conquest of Jerusalem by David and its establishment as the central city of Israel highlights God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, despite human shortcomings. The city of Jerusalem would go on to play a pivotal role in biblical history, serving as the backdrop for significant events in both the Old and New Testaments.

Conclusion

The narrative of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not being expelled provides a complex and instructive account within the biblical text. It reflects the challenges faced by the Israelites in their conquest of the Promised Land and sets the stage for the city's enduring significance in the unfolding account of God's people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 15:63
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
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Judges 1:21
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
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Library

Paul in Jerusalem.
... their situation, the character of their inhabitants, and their ... or afraid to profess
in Jerusalem, what he ... the abrogation of which was not generally understood ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... and the degraded state of its heathen inhabitants may be ... John Mark now returned to
Jerusalem, and, at a subsequent ... in the synagogue; and it was not until the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... he carried away the most important inhabitants captive, a ... religion, and the separation
did not probably become ... expelled all those Jews from Jerusalem who had ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ...
... the Samaritans came privately into Jerusalem, and threw ... our laws pronounce that such
inhabitants are unclean ... crown]; for the multitude would not otherwise have ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 now herod and.htm

How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... the Idumeans and Samaritans, and the inhabitants of Celesyria ... children, and cattle,
who traveled to Jerusalem with joy ... of the Israelites, but were not able to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm

Chapter iv.
... for their preservation, they were not found at ... against them such commotions amongst
the inhabitants as obliged ... into Syria; and again visited Jerusalem, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv.htm

Afraid of Giants
... yet know; that the Jebusites held Jerusalem till David's ... way the land was destructive
of its inhabitants, which seems ... it was a barren soil, not worth conquering ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... do "not receive the things pertaining to the Spirit." [5031] You are the "people
of Jerusalem," and can ... They are not dead, they are inhabitants of Paradise ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

The Course Pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ.
... by the Jews against the church of Jerusalem in connection ... and Cyprus and Antioch,
but could not yet venture ... first preached the word to the inhabitants of that ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the course pursued by.htm

Apion Book 1 Footnotes
... furlongs in compass for the city Jerusalem presently are ... and suburbs were destroyed,
was not less than ... Nor perhaps were its constant inhabitants, in the days ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/apion book 1 footnotes.htm