| 2 Samuel 5:7 – “David took the stronghold of Zion (that is the City of David).” |
At age 30, David became king for 7 1/2 years over the tribe of Judah. The other 11 tribes of Israel chose to be under the leadership of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul. After King Ishbosheth was murdered, all 12 tribes of Israel unified under the Kingship of David for the next 30 years.
Meanwhile, the Jebusites were enemies of Israel. They lived in Jerusalem, and called it the Jebusite city. It was a fortress! A city that sits on the southeast part of a mountain, called Mount Zion. It was well safeguarded on three sides due to its elevation and the deep valleys surrounding it. It had tall, strong walls for protection. It had a good water supply, and had close travel routes for trade. This was the perfect city for David to reign as King!
Upon becoming King of Israel, David gathered his troops and went to Jerusalem to fight the Jebusite enemies who lived there. The Jebusites mocked the Israelites and made fun of David by saying that even their ‘blind and crippled’ could stop David from entering the city. Even so, name calling and threats never stopped David. He was known as a fierce warrior! He had already killed a lion, bear, giant and who knows what else!
David told his men to climb up the water shaft to reach those ‘crippled and blind’ enemies. It was then that David overtook the city and renamed it the ‘City of David.’ The Scripture states that David became stronger and stronger because the Lord All-Powerful was with him. Fits right in with Psalms 29:11, “The Lord will give strength to his people…” And how do these verses fit into your personal story today? May you have new faith that’s larger than you’ve ever imagined.
- Vicki Rance
