Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Jebusites: Formerly Dwelt In

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Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, was originally inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. The Jebusites are first mentioned in the context of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 15:18-21 , God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, including the territory of the Jebusites.

The Jebusites are listed among the inhabitants of Canaan whom the Israelites were commanded to dispossess. In Deuteronomy 7:1 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you."

Despite this command, the Jebusites maintained control over Jerusalem for a significant period. The city, known as Jebus during their occupation, was a fortified stronghold. In Joshua 15:63 , it 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 among the descendants of Judah."

The Jebusites continued to dwell in Jerusalem until the time of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7 , we read about David's conquest of the city: "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 capture of Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, as the city became the political and spiritual center of the nation. The Jebusites were not entirely expelled, however, as they continued to live among the Israelites. In 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 , the account of David's conquest is reiterated, emphasizing the city's significance: "Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. 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)."

The Jebusites' presence in Jerusalem is further highlighted in the account of Araunah the Jebusite, from whom David purchased the threshing floor to build an altar to the LORD. This site would later become the location of Solomon's Temple. In 2 Samuel 24:18-25 , David insists on buying the threshing floor, saying, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

The Jebusites' legacy in Jerusalem is a testament to the city's complex history and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Their presence and eventual integration into Israelite society illustrate the broader narrative of conquest, settlement, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the heart of Israelite worship and governance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 19:10,11
But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Acts of Barnabus.
... in the grace that has been given to thee, go to Jerusalem to worship ... having found
a cave, put it down there, where the nation of the Jebusites formerly dwelt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of barnabus/the acts of barnabus.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Aramaeans, had abandoned the positions they had formerly occupied on ... adjoined on
the south that of Jerusalem, the fortress of the Jebusites, and on ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

And ii.
... Israel's being carried away, which was formerly made, and ... Concerning the situation
of Jerusalem, Josephus, de BJ i.6 ... by the ridicule of the Jebusites, when David ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Mystery
... angels or demons, not, indeed, as formerly, to he ... structure and dimensions of the
New Jerusalem, is a ... built it, when taken from the Jebusites, externally with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm