2 Samuel 5:7

KJV

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless David {H1732} took {H3920} the strong hold {H4686} of Zion {H6726}: the same is the city {H5892} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Tziyon, also known [now] as the City of David.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

American Standard Version

Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 5:7 marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of David's unified kingdom, recording his decisive capture of the formidable Jebusite stronghold of Zion, which he subsequently renamed "the city of David." This strategic conquest transformed a pagan fortress into the political and spiritual capital of Israel, solidifying David's reign and laying the foundational stone for Jerusalem's enduring significance as the dwelling place of God's presence and the epicenter of Israelite identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's anointing as king over all twelve tribes of Israel in [Hebron](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel"), unifying the kingdom after his seven-and-a-half-year reign over Judah alone ([2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "2 Samuel 5:5 - David's Reign in Hebron")). The narrative highlights the Jebusites' arrogant confidence in their city's impregnability, taunting David that even "the blind and the lame" could defend it ([2 Samuel 5:6](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6 - The Jebusites' Taunt")). David's swift and successful capture of Zion, therefore, serves as a powerful demonstration of his military prowess and divine favor, establishing his authority over the newly unified nation and setting the stage for the subsequent transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 6:12](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")) and the eventual building of the Temple by Solomon ([1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of David's conquest, Jerusalem, then known as Jebus, was an independent Canaanite city-state that had resisted Israelite occupation since the time of Joshua ([Joshua 15:63](/joshua/15-63 "Joshua 15:63 - Jebusites Not Driven Out")). Its strategic location, situated on a defensible ridge between the territories of Judah and Benjamin, made it an ideal neutral capital for a kingdom seeking to bridge tribal divisions. The city's natural defenses, including steep valleys on three sides, contributed to the Jebusites' belief in its invincibility. The act of capturing such a stronghold was a significant military and political achievement, demonstrating David's capacity to lead and unite a diverse people under a single, strong central authority, a common practice for newly established kings in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The capture of Zion underscores several key themes within the broader narrative of 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consolidation of David's kingship** and the establishment of a **unified national identity** for Israel, moving beyond tribal allegiances to a centralized monarchy. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine enablement**; while David's military strategy is evident, the biblical account implicitly portrays God's hand guiding David to fulfill His purposes for Israel, including the selection of a permanent dwelling place for His presence. Thirdly, the renaming of Zion as "the city of David" profoundly establishes **Jerusalem's unparalleled significance** as the future spiritual and political heart of Israel, intrinsically linking it to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant") and its enduring legacy. This event also foreshadows Jerusalem's future role as the location of the Temple and the ultimate prophetic destination for all nations ([Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Zion as a Place of Instruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong hold (Hebrew, מְצֻדָה, _metzudah'_):** This term denotes a fortress, citadel, or mountain fastness, emphasizing the formidable and seemingly impregnable nature of the Jebusite stronghold. Its use highlights the military challenge David faced and the significance of his success in overcoming such a well-defended position. The word conveys a sense of security and inaccessibility, making David's conquest all the more remarkable.
* **Zion (Hebrew, צִיּוֹן, _Tziyon'_):** Originally the name of the Jebusite fortress itself, "Zion" came to refer to the specific hill on which the stronghold stood. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the entire city of Jerusalem and, eventually, became a poetic and theological synonym for Jerusalem, representing God's holy city, the spiritual home of His people, and the place of His dwelling. Its transformation from a pagan fortress to a sacred site is central to its biblical significance.
* **City of David (Hebrew, עִיר דָּוִד, _Ir David'_):** This designation is more than a geographical label; it signifies David's personal conquest and establishment of the city as his royal seat and the capital of his kingdom. It underscores that Jerusalem was not merely captured, but transformed into a place intrinsically linked to David's reign, his legacy, and the covenant God made with him. It became the administrative, political, and spiritual heart of the unified nation, reflecting David's authority and God's choice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion:"**: This clause emphasizes David's decisive and successful military action despite the perceived impregnability of the Jebusite fortress, as highlighted in the preceding verse. The word "nevertheless" (or "however" in some translations) serves as a powerful contrast to the Jebusites' taunts, showcasing David's strategic brilliance and the divine favor that enabled his conquest. It marks the transition of Zion from an independent, pagan stronghold to a territory under Israelite control.
* **"the same [is] the city of David."**: This declarative statement immediately renames and redefines the conquered stronghold. It signifies its transformation into David's personal possession and the capital of his kingdom. This renaming is crucial, as it establishes Jerusalem's new identity as the administrative and spiritual center of Israel, a place intimately connected to David's kingship and the future of the nation. It highlights the profound shift in ownership and purpose, making it the focal point for the unified tribes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Conciseness** is paramount; in a mere ten words (in the KJV), it encapsulates a monumental historical and theological event, underscoring its pivotal importance without unnecessary elaboration. There is a clear **Contrast** between the Jebusites' overconfidence in their "strong hold" (implied from the previous verse) and David's swift, decisive action in "taking" it, highlighting the efficacy of David's leadership and God's backing. The renaming of Zion as "the city of David" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, transforming a geographical location into a representation of David's reign, the unified kingdom, and ultimately, the chosen dwelling place of God. This act of renaming also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "the city of David" stands for the entire political and spiritual authority centered there.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The capture of Zion and its establishment as the "city of David" is deeply significant for Israel's theological trajectory. It represents God's faithfulness in providing a central, unified place for His people and, ultimately, for His presence. This act laid the groundwork for the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David an eternal dynasty and a perpetual kingdom, with Jerusalem as its enduring capital. The city's unique status as God's chosen dwelling place, later confirmed by the building of the Temple, transformed it into a sacred space, a symbol of divine election and protection. It became the destination for pilgrimage, the fount of divine instruction, and the prophetic hope for the nations, embodying the intersection of God's sovereign plan and human history.

* [Psalm 78:68-70](/psalms/78-68 "Psalm 78:68-70 - God Chose Zion")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Zion as a Place of Instruction")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "Psalm 132:13-14 - God's Chosen Dwelling in Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's conquest of Zion serves as a compelling narrative of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through strategic action and divine enablement. For believers today, this act can be seen as an illustration of the spiritual warfare we are called to engage in, where we are to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare")). Just as David secured a physical stronghold to establish his kingdom, we are called to identify and dismantle spiritual "strongholds" in our lives and communities that hinder God's reign. Furthermore, the establishment of Jerusalem as a central place for God's presence reminds us of the importance of cultivating a "center" in our own lives—a place where God's presence is prioritized, where His Word is honored, and from which our lives are ordered and directed for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strongholds" in your life or community seem impregnable, and how might David's example encourage you to approach them with faith and strategic action?**
* **How does the establishment of Jerusalem as a central place for God's presence inform your understanding of the importance of a spiritual "center" in your own life?**
* **In what ways can we, like David, contribute to building a "city of God" in our contemporary context, whether through personal transformation or community engagement?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jerusalem chosen as the capital over Hebron, where David had previously reigned?**

Answer: Jerusalem was chosen for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its strategic location on the border between Judah and Benjamin made it a neutral territory, preventing favoritism towards either tribe and fostering unity in the newly consolidated kingdom. Secondly, its formidable natural defenses offered a secure capital. Thirdly, by conquering an independent city rather than moving into an existing Israelite city, David established a new, unifying center that was uniquely "his" and not previously associated with any particular tribal identity, thus solidifying his authority over all Israel. Finally, it is evident that this choice was also part of God's divine plan for the future of Israel and the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for His presence.

**What is the significance of "Zion" becoming "the city of David"?**

Answer: The renaming of Zion as "the city of David" carries immense significance. It transformed a pagan Jebusite stronghold into the personal royal seat of God's chosen king, symbolizing David's complete conquest and authority. More profoundly, it marked the beginning of Jerusalem's sacred identity. It became the administrative, political, and spiritual heart of Israel, intrinsically linked to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and the future location of the Temple. This designation elevated Jerusalem to a unique status, setting the stage for its role as the center of Israelite worship and the prophetic hope for the nations.

**Did David conquer Jerusalem alone, or was it a joint effort?**

Answer: The biblical account in 2 Samuel 5:6-7 indicates that David led his forces in the conquest of Jerusalem. While the text briefly describes David's personal involvement, it implies a military campaign involving his army. The challenge posed by the Jebusites in [2 Samuel 5:6](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6 - The Jebusites' Taunt") suggests a formidable defense that required a concerted effort. The narrative focuses on David as the leader and orchestrator of the victory, but it was undoubtedly a joint military endeavor under his command, empowered by divine favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The capture of Zion by David, establishing it as "the city of David," profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. Just as David conquered a physical stronghold to establish his earthly kingdom, Christ, through His death and resurrection, conquered the spiritual strongholds of sin, death, and the devil, establishing His eternal, spiritual kingdom. The earthly Zion, chosen by God as the dwelling place for His presence among His people, points forward to the New Testament reality where God's presence dwells not in a physical temple or city, but in His people, the church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Jesus is the true King, whose reign extends far beyond the boundaries of an earthly city, establishing a spiritual [Mount Zion](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the City of the Living God") to which believers come. His ultimate fulfillment is seen in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem"), a heavenly city where God will dwell eternally with His redeemed people, a reality secured by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fulfilling the ancient prophecies concerning Zion's ultimate glory.

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.