Why did David go to Jerusalem where the Jebusites lived?

David had just been made king over all Israel, not just one tribe. He went to Jerusalem, which was then called Jebus, to take it from the Jebusites and make it his royal city. This stronghold of Zion was in a central place and had not yet been fully taken by Israel. By capturing it, David was establishing a secure capital for his kingdom. The passage shows this as one of his first major actions after becoming king over all Israel.

Who were the Jebusites in this passage and what did they say to David?

The Jebusites were the people living in Jerusalem, which was called Jebus at that time. They were the original inhabitants of that land. When David and all Israel came to Jerusalem, the Jebusites tried to turn him away and said, “Thou shalt not come hither.” They seemed confident that David could not take their stronghold. Their refusal and bold words only set the stage for David to go ahead and capture the fortress of Zion anyway.

What is the castle of Zion and why is it called the city of David?

The castle of Zion in this passage is the stronghold or fortress in Jerusalem that David captured from the Jebusites. After taking it, David lived there, and because it became his home and royal center, it came to be called the city of David. The name shows that this place was now closely tied to David’s rule. It marked a new beginning for the nation, with a new capital city that God would later use in many ways in Israel’s story.

Why did David promise leadership to whoever attacked the Jebusites first?

David said, “Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” He used this promise to encourage courage and quick action in battle. Taking a strong fortress was dangerous work, and such a reward would stir brave men to step forward. Joab, David’s nephew, went up first and so became chief. This shows how honor and responsibility were often given to those who led in dangerous tasks and proved their loyalty and bravery in action.

Who was Joab the son of Zeruiah, and what did he do here?

Joab was the son of Zeruiah, who was David’s sister, so he was David’s nephew. In this passage, when David promised that whoever attacked the Jebusites first would be chief and captain, Joab was the one who went up first against the stronghold. Because of that, he became the chief. Later in the passage, Joab is also said to have repaired the rest of the city, showing he had a leading role both in battle and in rebuilding.

What is Millo, and what does it mean that David built from Millo round about?

The passage says that David built the city round about, from Millo and around. Millo seems to be a part or section of the city, possibly a structure or area that helped strengthen the defenses. The wording shows that David did not only live in the fortress but also worked to build up and secure the whole city. Joab then repaired the rest of the city. Together, this tells us the city was being strengthened and organized under David’s rule.

What does it mean that David waxed greater and greater?

When the passage says David “waxed greater and greater,” it means he grew stronger and more established as king. His influence, success, and stability as a ruler kept increasing. This growth is not explained as his own skill alone. The text gives the clear reason: “for the Lord of hosts was with him.” So David’s rise is shown as a result of God’s presence and favor, not just human effort or good planning.

What does this passage teach about the Lord of hosts being with David?

The passage ends by saying David became greater and greater because the Lord of hosts was with him. The title “Lord of hosts” points to God as the ruler of heavenly armies and all powers. This shows that David’s victories, like taking Zion and building up Jerusalem, were not just about military strength or smart decisions. God was the real reason for his success. It reminds readers that lasting strength and growth come when God is with a leader and his people.

1Chr.11.4

1 Chronicles 11:4

KJV

¶ And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

Cross References

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