Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Enlarged by David

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Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, holds a central place in biblical narratives. Its enlargement and establishment as the political and spiritual capital of Israel under King David marks a pivotal moment in its history.

Historical Context

Before David's reign, Jerusalem was a Jebusite city, known as Jebus. The Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe that inhabited the land prior to the Israelite conquest. Despite its strategic location and natural fortifications, Jerusalem remained unconquered by the Israelites during the initial conquest of Canaan under Joshua.

David's Conquest and Expansion

David's rise to power marked a new era for Jerusalem. After being anointed king over all Israel, David sought to establish a unified nation with a central capital. Recognizing Jerusalem's strategic and symbolic importance, David set his sights on the city. The biblical account of David's conquest of Jerusalem is recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:4-9. The Berean Standard Bible recounts:

"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)." (2 Samuel 5:6-7)

David's successful capture of the city was a significant military and political achievement. He renamed the stronghold the "City of David" and began extensive building projects to fortify and expand the city. This included the construction of walls and other infrastructure, transforming Jerusalem into a formidable and enduring capital.

Religious Significance

David's choice of Jerusalem as the capital was not merely political; it held deep religious implications. By bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David established the city as the spiritual heart of Israel. The Ark, representing God's presence among His people, was placed in a tent David pitched for it, as described in 2 Samuel 6. This act signified Jerusalem's central role in the worship and religious life of the nation.

David's plans for a permanent temple to house the Ark further underscored Jerusalem's religious significance. Although God did not permit David to build the temple, He promised that David's son Solomon would complete this task (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This promise laid the foundation for Jerusalem's future as the site of Solomon's Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites.

Legacy

David's enlargement of Jerusalem set the stage for its enduring legacy as a city of great importance in biblical history. It became the focal point of Israel's national identity and religious devotion. The city's expansion under David established a precedent for its future growth and significance, both in the biblical narrative and in the broader history of the region.

Jerusalem's role as the City of David continues to resonate throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing God's covenantal promises and His enduring presence with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 5:9
So David dwelled in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... The first and oldest - that of David and Solomon - ran ... When the Maccabee Jonathan
finally cleared Jerusalem of the ... Herod greatly enlarged and strengthened it. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... recovered the kingdom to the family of David] king Jehoash ... the same name with the
king of Jerusalem, and he ... And thus far have we enlarged about the actions of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... directed to the description of the Holy City-New Jerusalem, which in the latter
day will gloriously descend from heaven. His soul was enlarged and enlightened ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... have, in a very compressed form, though enlarged in some ... a Levite, connected with
the temple service in Jerusalem. ... 4, we are told that in David's victory over ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... Beitlaham, means "house of meat." It was the home of Boaz and Ruth, of Jesse and
David. ... He enlarged and beautified the temple at Jerusalem, and blessed ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

Salvation Published from the Mountains
... Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten ... had offered to His disciples at
Jerusalem, but still ... are the sources of his anxieties multiplied and enlarged. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... the conclusion of the 51st Psalm, where David prays, "Build ... Nehemiah was now building
the walls of Jerusalem, and maintained ... Kings 5:3-9, and, as enlarged, in 2 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... his descendants should reign in the earthly Jerusalem in continual ... and judge, and
the establishment of David in the ... in my God; my mouth is enlarged over mine ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

Motives to Holy Mourning
... of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit ... The soul is never more enlarged
than when it can ... Chrysostom observes that David who was the great mourner ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm

The Historical Situation
... the Old Testament, in connection with an enlarged sense of ... the people, who could
at best visit Jerusalem but once ... the majority looked for a Son of David to sit ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm