The City of David

David realized a more centralized capital was needed, and Jerusalem seemed to be the best location. But Jerusalem was held by the Jebusites. “Joshua had slain and defeated the king of Jerusalem (Joshua 10:23–26; 12:10), and later the city had been taken and destroyed by Judah (see on Judges 1:7). But the Jebusites, who occupied Jerusalem, were not completely conquered, and either continued to hold at least a part of the city or retook it after being driven out (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21; 19:11, 12).” David laid siege, but the Jebusites scorned his ability to take their stronghold. They sent him a cryptic message: “Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither” (2 Samuel 5:6).

“This statement has puzzled commentators, and many interpretations of the passage have been given. The one that offers perhaps the most reasonable explanation has the Jebusites saying, ‘You will not enter the city, but the blind and the lame will keep you out.’” Seemingly secure in their stronghold, the inhabitants of Jebus [Jerusalem] shamelessly taunted David.

“The Jebusite stronghold was on Mt. Zion, south of Mt. Moriah, the elevation on which the Temple was later built. The mountain was flanked on two sides by deep valleys, and was admirably suited for defense.” But David was cunning, observing that water was brought into the city walls by a conduit chiseled from solid rock, running from the spring of Gihon to an underground reservoir within the walls, and then a vertical shaft dropped below to reach the water.

By traversing the underground tunnel and climbing the shaft, David’s men might enter the city and open the gates.

The man who accomplished this would be rewarded as commander in chief of the army. “So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief” (1 Chronicles 11:6).

“Ultimate success in life comes not by human might or wisdom but by the Spirit of the Lord (see Zech. 4:6).”