Securing a Capital

In yesterday’s study, we witnessed David’s coronation as king of all Israel after many years of struggle. The remainder of 2 Samuel 5 presents three other significant events: David’s capture of Jerusalem to serve as his capital (vv. 6–10); the construction of his palace and the growth of his family (vv. 11–16); and his initial victories over an outside enemy (vv. 17–25). Although Biblical scholars note that these events may not have occurred in this precise sequence, they are presented here to herald David’s establishment on the throne.

Jerusalem is an ancient city. It existed even in Abraham’s time, when it was ruled by Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). It was still around when Israel conquered Canaan, and was allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18:28), although it was close to Judah’s territory (Josh. 15:8). So strong was the city that the Benjamites were unable to drive out the Jebusites (Judg. 1:21). The men of Judah were able to defeat Jerusalem (Judg. 1:8), but they apparently did not occupy it, and the Jebusites eventually returned (Judg. 19:11). Thus, Jerusalem remains a Canaanite city in David’s time. But he sets his sights on taking it for himself, both because it is a powerful and strategic location, and because the defeat of God’s enemies within Israel’s God-given land will be an appropriate inaugural event for his kingship.

The Jebusites taunt David when he comes to attack the city, saying that he will be unable to enter because the blind and lame will repel his attack. They may be boasting that their city is so impregnable and David so weak that blind and lame soldiers can stop him. On the other hand, “the blind and the lame” may refer to Jebusite gods. In any case, whether the reference is to pagans or pagan gods, David is filled with loathing for them (v. 8). Undeterred by the taunts, he offers a leadership post to anyone who can penetrate the city through a chink in its defenses—a tunnel that brings water in. Some unnamed volunteer accepts this challenge, enabling David to capture Jerusalem.

When David takes the city, we are told, it is known by the name Zion. This is the first Scriptural appearance of this name, which later comes to represent not just Jerusalem but all Israel and, in more poetic contexts, the gathered people of God. But David renames the citadel “the City of David,” and it becomes his seat of government.