1 Chronicles 11:5

And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which [is] the city of David.

And the inhabitants {H3427} of Jebus {H2982} said {H559} to David {H1732}, Thou shalt not come {H935} hither. Nevertheless David {H1732} took {H3920} the castle {H4686} of Zion {H6726}, which is the city {H5892} of David {H1732}.

The inhabitants of Y'vus taunted David by saying, "You won't get in here!" Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Tziyon, also known now as the City of David.

The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:5 narrates a pivotal moment in the establishment of David’s reign: the conquest of Jerusalem. This verse highlights both the defiance of the existing inhabitants and David's decisive victory, leading to the creation of what would become the spiritual and political heart of Israel.

Context

Following David's anointing as king over all Israel, he sets his sights on a central, neutral capital. The city of Jebus, the ancient name for Jerusalem, was occupied by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. They had maintained control of this heavily fortified hilltop city, despite Israel's earlier conquests of the surrounding territory. Their declaration, "Thou shalt not come hither," reflects their confidence in the city's impregnable defenses, possibly even mocking David by suggesting that the blind and lame could defend it (as seen in the parallel account in 2 Samuel 5:6).

Key Themes

  • Conquest and Establishment of Capital: This verse marks the strategic military achievement of David. Taking Jebus meant establishing a neutral, central capital for a united Israel, distinct from tribal territories. This new capital would become known as the "City of David."
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The Jebusites' defiant statement underscores the perceived impossibility of taking the city. David's success demonstrates his military genius and, more importantly, God's divine favor and power working through him to achieve what seemed unattainable.
  • Significance of Zion: The "castle of Zion" (or fortress of Zion) was the citadel within Jebus. Its capture was key to controlling the city. Over time, "Zion" expanded in meaning to refer to the entire city of Jerusalem and ultimately became a profound theological term representing God's holy dwelling place and the spiritual home of His people (Psalm 48:2).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Jebus" (יְבוּס, Yevus) refers to the pre-Israelite city of Jerusalem. The "castle of Zion" (מְצֻדַת צִיּוֹן, Metzudat Tziyyon) specifically denotes the fortified stronghold within Jebus. The KJV's phrasing "which [is] the city of David" clearly identifies the captured fortress and subsequently the entire city with David's new capital, cementing its legacy.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful illustration of perseverance and faith in the face of daunting challenges. Just as David faced a seemingly impenetrable stronghold, believers often encounter "Jebusites" in their lives – obstacles or resistance that declare, "Thou shalt not come hither." The narrative reminds us that with God's guidance and strategic effort, seemingly impossible barriers can be overcome. It also speaks to the importance of establishing a strong, central foundation—whether in our spiritual walk, our communities, or our personal goals—from which to operate and grow, much like Jerusalem became the heart of Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 12:22 (2 votes)

    But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

  • Psalms 87:5 (2 votes)

    And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

  • 1 Samuel 17:36 (2 votes)

    Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

  • Psalms 125:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.

  • Psalms 125:2 (2 votes)

    As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem, so the LORD [is] round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

  • 1 Kings 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

  • Revelation 14:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.