“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, which dwelt there, and spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind, and the lame, thou shalt not go up to the place that the LORD hath chosen.”
Context:2 Samuel 5 records the account of David becoming the king over all Israel. Prior to this, David had been anointed king over Judah, and Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, reigned over the rest of Israel. However, after Ishbosheth’s death, the elders of Israel recognised David as their king as well. In this verse, David and his men march to Jerusalem to confront the Jebusites, who were still occupying the city.
Historical Background:Jerusalem was a significant city strategically located in the heart of Israel. The Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe, had control over Jerusalem at that time. Despite conquering much of the promised land, the Israelites had not taken possession of Jerusalem until David’s reign. The Jebusites were confident in their defences and taunted David, mocking him for being unable to conquer the city.
David’s Determination:Despite the Jebusites’ mockery, David was resolute in his purpose to capture Jerusalem and establish it as the capital of his kingdom. This event reveals David’s determination, leadership, and bravery. He led his men to face a formidable enemy and was undeterred by their scornful words.
Spiritual Application:
- Overcoming Obstacles:David faced a significant obstacle in the form of the Jebusites, who believed that even the blind and the lame could repel his forces. However, David’s determination and trust in God allowed him to overcome this obstacle and secure Jerusalem. This serves as a reminder that with God’s help, we can conquer challenges that seem insurmountable.
- Trust in God’s Promises:David’s faith in God’s promise to make him king over all Israel propelled him forward. Even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, he trusted that God would fulfil His word. Similarly, we can trust in God’s promises and rely on His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem daunting.
- God’s Faithfulness:The eventual capture of Jerusalem by David demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people. Jerusalem would become the city of David and the spiritual and political centre of Israel. God fulfilled the promise to David and established him as the rightful king. This serves as a reminder that God is faithful to fulfil His promises to us as well.
- The Power of Determination:David’s determination and refusal to accept defeat set an example for us. Despite facing mockery and doubt, he pressed forward and achieved victory. This verse encourages us to persevere in our own endeavours and to have the determination to overcome obstacles that stand in our way.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 5:6 highlights David’s determination in capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites. It teaches us important lessons about trusting in God’s promises, overcoming obstacles through faith, and the power of determination in pursuing God’s purposes.
