Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Jebusites: Finally Dispossessed of, by David

◄ Jerusalem: The Jebusites: Finally Dispossessed of, by David ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is first introduced in the biblical narrative as a stronghold of the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. The Jebusites were among the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, and their fortified city, Jebus, was strategically located on the border of the territories allotted to the tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

The Jebusites' control over Jerusalem persisted through the period of the Judges, despite the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The city remained a Jebusite stronghold, as noted in the Book of Joshua, which records that "the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day" (Joshua 15:63). Similarly, Judges 1:21 states, "The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem; so to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites" .

The turning point in the history of Jerusalem came during the reign of King David. After consolidating his rule over Israel, David sought to establish a political and spiritual center for the nation. Recognizing the strategic and symbolic importance of Jerusalem, David set his sights on capturing the city from the Jebusites. The biblical account of this conquest is found in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:4-9.

2 Samuel 5:6-7 recounts, "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)." This passage highlights the Jebusites' confidence in their city's defenses, which were ultimately overcome by David's strategic acumen and divine favor.

The capture of Jerusalem marked a significant moment in Israel's history. David established the city as his capital, renaming it the City of David. This act not only unified the tribes of Israel under a central monarchy but also laid the groundwork for Jerusalem's future role as the spiritual heart of the nation. David's conquest of Jerusalem is further detailed in 1 Chronicles 11:5-7 : "The people of Jebus said to David, 'You will never get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). David had said, 'Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.' And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief."

The dispossession of the Jebusites and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital city under David's rule were pivotal in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Israel. Jerusalem would later become the site of Solomon's Temple, the center of Jewish worship, and a focal point of biblical prophecy. David's successful conquest of the Jebusite stronghold thus set the stage for Jerusalem's enduring legacy as a city of great religious and historical significance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 5:6-8
And the king and his men went to Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spoke to David, saying, Except you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here: thinking, David cannot come in here.
Torrey's Topical Textbook