2 Samuel 5:6

KJV

¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} and his men {H582} went {H3212} to Jerusalem {H3389} unto the Jebusites {H2983}, the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776}: which spake {H559} unto David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Except thou take away {H5493} the blind {H5787} and the lame {H6455}, thou shalt not come in {H935} hither: thinking {H559}, David {H1732} cannot come in {H935} hither.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king and his men went to Yerushalayim to attack the Y'vusi, the inhabitants of that region. They taunted David, "You won't get in here! Even the blind and the lame could fend you off!"- in other words, they were thinking, "David will never get in here."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”

American Standard Version

And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither; thinking, David cannot come in hither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, newly anointed king over all Israel, sets his sights on Jerusalem, a formidable Jebusite stronghold. Upon his arrival, the Jebusite inhabitants defiantly mock him, asserting the impregnability of their fortress by claiming that even the blind and the lame could defend it against his forces. This verse captures their profound overconfidence and disdain, believing David utterly incapable of conquering their city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's anointing as king over all Israel at Hebron, uniting the northern and southern tribes ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")). With his kingdom now consolidated, David's next strategic move is to establish a central capital. Jerusalem, then known as Jebus, was a Canaanite enclave situated between the tribal territories, making it an ideal, neutral location for the new united monarchy. The narrative here sets up the dramatic conquest of this seemingly unconquerable city, which becomes the "City of David" and the future spiritual heart of Israel, as detailed in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 5:7-9](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7-9 - David Captures the Stronghold of Zion")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, or Jebus, was one of the few remaining Canaanite strongholds that had resisted Israelite conquest since the days of Joshua ([Joshua 15:63](/joshua/15-63 "Joshua 15:63 - Jebusites Not Driven Out from Jerusalem")). Its natural defenses, including steep valleys on three sides, made it a formidable fortress. The Jebusites' taunt, "Except thou take away the blind and the lame," reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of psychological warfare, designed to demoralize the enemy and boast of their city's impregnability. It also likely alludes to a cultural belief that the blind and lame were ritually impure or weak, making their inclusion in defense a profound insult to David's military might. Their confidence was rooted in centuries of successful resistance and the perceived invulnerability of their citadel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes. First, it highlights the **arrogance of human self-reliance** in the face of divine purpose; the Jebusites' overconfidence directly precedes their downfall. Second, it underscores **David's strategic genius and divine favor**; his decision to target Jerusalem demonstrates foresight, and his subsequent conquest illustrates God's enablement of the impossible, as seen in [2 Samuel 5:10](/2_samuel/5-10 "2 Samuel 5:10 - The Lord God of Hosts Was With David"). Third, it marks the **establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center** of Israel, a pivotal moment in the nation's history that foreshadows its future role as the City of God and the site of the Temple. This act solidifies David's reign and begins the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jebusites (Hebrew, יְבוּסִי, _Yevusi_):** The indigenous inhabitants of Jerusalem prior to its conquest by David. Their name is derived from "Jebus," the ancient name for Jerusalem. Their continued presence in the land, despite the Israelite conquest under Joshua, highlights their resilience and the strategic strength of their city. Their defiance here underscores their perceived invincibility, a direct challenge to the newly unified Israelite kingdom under David.
* **Blind (Hebrew, עִוְּרִים, _'ivverim'_):** Literally refers to those without sight. In this context, it is used metaphorically to represent the weakest, most vulnerable, or ritually impure members of society. By claiming that even the blind could defend their city, the Jebusites intended to convey the absolute impregnability of their fortress and the utter contempt they held for David's military prowess. It was a profound insult, suggesting David's forces were so inept that even the incapacitated would be sufficient to repel them.
* **Lame (Hebrew, פִּסְחִים, _pissehim'_):** Refers to those who are crippled or unable to walk properly. Like "blind," it functions as a metaphor for the most defenseless and useless individuals. The combination of "blind and lame" creates a powerful image of extreme weakness and vulnerability, amplifying the Jebusites' boast of invincibility. This taunt was designed to demoralize David's army by implying their efforts would be futile against even the most negligible opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land:"** This clause sets the scene, indicating David's deliberate and strategic movement towards Jerusalem. Having been anointed king over all Israel, David understood the necessity of a central, neutral capital to solidify his reign and unite the disparate tribes. His advance on Jerusalem, a city still held by its original Canaanite inhabitants, signifies a decisive step in establishing his kingdom.
* **"which spake unto David, saying,"** This introduces the direct speech of the Jebusites, highlighting their immediate and vocal response to David's approach. Their words are not merely a statement but a defiant challenge, demonstrating their awareness of David's intentions and their absolute confidence in their defenses.
* **"Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither:"** This is the core of the Jebusite taunt. It's a hyperbolic statement designed to mock David. They imply their fortress is so strong that even the most helpless individuals (the blind and the lame) could successfully defend it against David's army. The phrase functions as a psychological weapon, aiming to deter David by emphasizing the futility of his efforts and the perceived invincibility of their stronghold.
* **"thinking, David cannot come in hither."** This final clause reveals the internal conviction and arrogant mindset of the Jebusites. It clarifies that their taunt was not merely bravado but stemmed from a deep-seated belief in their city's impregnability and David's inability to conquer it. This hubris sets the stage for their dramatic downfall, as the narrative immediately proceeds to describe David's successful capture of the city.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in 2 Samuel 5:6 are **Hyperbole** and **Irony**. The Jebusites' statement, "Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither," is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. They do not literally mean that the blind and lame are their active defenders, but rather that their fortress is so impregnable that even the weakest members of society could symbolically hold it against David. This exaggerated boast serves to underscore their extreme confidence and contempt for David's forces. The profound **Irony** of the situation is revealed in the subsequent verses, where David swiftly conquers the city, demonstrating the emptiness of the Jebusites' boast and the fallibility of their human-centered security. Their arrogant declaration, "thinking, David cannot come in hither," directly precedes the very event they deemed impossible, highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortune and the ultimate sovereignty of God in establishing David's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 5:6 serves as a powerful illustration of the contrast between human arrogance and divine enablement. The Jebusites' defiant taunt, rooted in their perceived impregnability and centuries of successful resistance, represents humanity's tendency to rely on its own strength and dismiss God's chosen instruments. Their overconfidence sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's power working through David. This episode underscores the theological principle that what seems impossible to human effort or wisdom is readily achievable with God's favor and strategic guidance. It's a reminder that God often chooses to work through seemingly insurmountable obstacles to demonstrate His sovereignty and to humble those who boast in their own might. The conquest of Jerusalem, despite the Jebusites' taunt, is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to David and establishing his kingdom, transforming a pagan stronghold into the future City of God.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David's encounter with the Jebusites in 2 Samuel 5:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. We often face "Jebusite strongholds" in our lives – challenges, obstacles, or even the voices of critics that seem insurmountable and mock our aspirations. These might be personal struggles, professional barriers, or spiritual battles that appear to defy all odds. The Jebusites' taunt, "Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither," resonates with the dismissive voices that tell us our goals are impossible or that we are inadequate. Yet, like David, who did not shrink from the challenge but relied on God's strategic wisdom and strength, we are called to approach our "Jebusite strongholds" with faith and determination. This passage reminds us that God delights in using the seemingly weak or impossible situations to display His power. It encourages us to confront our fears and perceived limitations, trusting that with God, what seems impregnable to human effort can be overcome, leading to victory and the establishment of His purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jebusite strongholds" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or be deterred by the "taunts" of others (or your own doubts) instead of trusting in God's power?**
* **How does David's response to the Jebusites' arrogance inspire you to approach challenges with faith and strategic wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Jebusites' taunt about "the blind and the lame"?**

Answer: The Jebusites' taunt was a profound expression of their overconfidence and disdain for David's forces. By claiming that even the blind and the lame could defend their city, they were using hyperbole to convey that their fortress was so impregnable that it required no capable defenders. It was a psychological tactic designed to demoralize David's army, suggesting that their efforts would be futile against even the weakest opposition. Culturally, the blind and lame were often seen as ritually impure or weak, making the taunt an even deeper insult to David's military might and a boast of their city's absolute invincibility. This boast, however, proved to be an act of profound irony, as David quickly captured the city, turning their arrogance into their downfall.

**Why was Jerusalem so strategically important for David?**

Answer: Jerusalem (Jebus) held immense strategic importance for David for several reasons. Firstly, its geographical location was ideal: situated on a high ridge, it was naturally fortified by steep valleys on three sides, making it easily defensible. Secondly, it was located precisely on the border between the northern and southern tribes (Benjamin and Judah), making it a neutral territory. This neutrality was crucial for David, who had just united a kingdom previously divided by tribal loyalties. Establishing his capital in a neutral city helped to prevent accusations of favoritism towards either Judah or the northern tribes. Thirdly, capturing Jerusalem completed the consolidation of Israelite territory, removing a lingering Canaanite enclave and solidifying David's control over the entire land. This strategic move allowed Jerusalem to become not only the political capital but also the spiritual heart of the nation, eventually housing the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest of Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 5:6-10, initiated by the Jebusites' arrogant taunt, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as David conquered a seemingly impregnable stronghold, Jesus came to conquer the ultimate stronghold of sin and death, which held humanity captive. The Jebusites' boast about the "blind and the lame" is ironically fulfilled in Christ, who came not for the strong and self-sufficient, but specifically for the spiritually blind and lame—those who are helpless in their sin ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). He is the true King who establishes a spiritual kingdom, not by human might or power, but by His sacrificial death and resurrection, overcoming the powers that mocked and defied God's rule ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Furthermore, Jerusalem, which became the "City of David," later became the focal point of God's redemptive plan, where Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and from where the gospel message spread ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed from Jerusalem")). Thus, David's victory over the Jebusites foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all spiritual adversaries, establishing a kingdom that is eternal and accessible to all who were once spiritually "blind and lame" but are now made whole through Him ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 1:8

Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

Judges 1:21

¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

1 Chronicles 11:4

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is] Jebus; where the Jebusites [were], the inhabitants of the land.

1 Chronicles 11:9

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts [was] with him.

Joshua 15:63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Jeremiah 37:10

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained [but] wounded men among them, [yet] should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.

Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.