David Takes Jerusalem

King David and his men went to Jerusalem, where the Jebusites were living. The people of the city spoke with confidence and thought David could not get in. Even so, David captured the stronghold of Zion, and that place became known as David's city.

That day David called for the Jebusites to be struck. In 2 Samuel, the attack is linked with the watercourse and with the harsh taunt about the blind and the lame. Chronicles adds that David had said the first attacker would become chief, and Joab son of Zeruiah went up first and became chief.

David then lived in the stronghold. It was called David's city, and the building work began. David built around from Millo and inward, and Chronicles says Joab repaired the rest of the city.

David kept growing greater and stronger. The passage explains why: the Lord, the God of Armies, was with him. His rise was not only about walls, workers, or fighters, but about God's presence with him.

Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons. They built a house for David. The captured stronghold was becoming an established royal city.