2 Smauel 5:6-9
6 Now the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land; and they said to David, “You shall not come in here, but even those who are blind and those who limp will turn you away,” thinking, “David cannot enter here.”
7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.
8 And David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites is to reach those who limp and those who are blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” For that reason they say, “People who are blind and people who limp shall not come into the house.”
9 So David lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward.
Jerusalem the New Capital
Capture of the stronghold of Zion
Hebron was located too far south to serve as the capital of the unified kingdom. Moreover, since it was a territory of the tribe of Judah, it was not suitable as the capital of the unified kingdom. The place David chose as his new capital was the stronghold of Zion (the ancient city of Jerusalem). (1) Jerusalem was a natural stronghold. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, any attack would have to come from the north. Its strong defenses were its greatest advantage. (2) Geographically, the city was located on the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Choosing a new capital that did not favor any single tribe was an essential condition for ruling the unified kingdom. (3) The city had the Gihon Spring, which provided a rich and abundant source of water. (4) This seemingly impregnable city was inhabited by the Jebusites. They boasted, “This city is so secure that even the blind and the lame can defend it.” (5) However, under the command of General Joab, David’s army entered the city through the underground water tunnel and ultimately brought it down. (6) David named this stronghold the “City of David,” settled there, and built up its walls, making it a fortified capital. Thus, the new capital was established, and David’s reign grew increasingly strong.
God’s blessing
Behind this choice, the hand of God was at work. When we walk in alignment with God’s will, our actions can be seen as both our doing and God’s doing. From this point on, the history of Israel would revolve around Jerusalem. The Jebusites were arrogant and overconfident. Such overconfidence is dangerous. They underestimated David’s strength and wisdom, but in the end, they were destroyed by him. In every generation, those who do not fear God remain arrogant and complacent, even when danger is drawing near. In the battle for the gospel, there are also strategically important places that determine the course of victory. If you can take hold of such a place, the battles that follow become easier. What is that strategically important place in your own journey? The enemies of God are complacent. Let us use the wisdom and strength given by God to gain victory in the Lord’s battle.
Today's prayer
O God of Israel, please help me win the strategically important places through faith. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.