2 Samuel 5:8

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David's soul, [he shall be chief and captain]. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

And David {H1732} said {H559} on that day {H3117}, Whosoever getteth up {H5060} to the gutter {H6794}, and smiteth {H5221} the Jebusites {H2983}, and the lame {H6455} and the blind {H5787}, that are hated {H8130} of David's {H1732} soul {H5315}, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said {H559}, The blind {H5787} and the lame {H6455} shall not come {H935} into the house {H1004}.

What David said on that day was, "In order to attack the Y'vusi, you have to climb up [from the spring outside the city] through the water tunnel. Then you can do away with those [so-called] 'lame and blind'" (whom David despises - hence the expression, "The 'blind and lame' keep him from entering the house").

On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

And David said on that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites, let him get up to the watercourse, and smite the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul. Wherefore they say, There are the blind and the lame; he cannot come into the house.

Commentary

2 Samuel 5:8 details a pivotal moment in King David's conquest of Jerusalem, then known as Jebus. This verse captures David's strategy and his strong reaction to the Jebusites' taunts, setting the stage for Jerusalem to become the capital of Israel.

Context of the Conquest

Following his anointing as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-3), David set his sights on capturing the heavily fortified city of Jebus, which was held by the Jebusites. The Jebusites, confident in their seemingly impregnable stronghold, mocked David, declaring that even "the blind and the lame" could defend their city (see 2 Samuel 5:6). This taunt was a profound insult to David and perhaps to God's anointed.

David's Challenge and Strategic Insight

In response to their hubris, David issued a challenge: "Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David's soul, [he shall be chief and captain]." The term "gutter" (Hebrew: tsinnor) is widely understood to refer to a water shaft or tunnel, a secret passage that allowed access into the city. This daring method, likely proposed and executed by Joab (as recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:6), proved to be the key to overcoming the Jebusites' defenses. The phrase "hated of David's soul" underscores David's deep offense at the Jebusites' arrogance and their blasphemous taunt.

Symbolism of the Lame and Blind

The repeated mention of "the lame and the blind" is significant. While literally referring to individuals, it also carries symbolic weight. It could highlight the Jebusites' overconfidence, implying that their defenses were so strong that even the weakest among them could repel an attack. Alternatively, some interpretations suggest it refers to the Jebusites' pagan idols, which "have eyes, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not" (Psalm 115:5). David's decree, "The blind and the lame shall not come into the house," became a proverb or a lasting statute, possibly excluding those with physical disabilities from certain sacred areas or even from the royal palace, reflecting a cultural understanding of physical wholeness being necessary for proximity to the holy or the king.

Key Themes and Application

  • Overcoming Obstacles: David's conquest of Jerusalem demonstrates how God can enable His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through strategic insight and divine favor.
  • Consequences of Pride: The Jebusites' arrogant taunt led directly to their downfall. This serves as a warning against pride and mocking God's anointed.
  • Spiritual Insight: Beyond the literal, the "blind and the lame" can symbolize spiritual inability—those who are spiritually blind to God's truth or spiritually lame, unable to walk in His ways. David's strong reaction might also point to the importance of spiritual integrity in God's kingdom.
  • Establishing God's Kingdom: This event marks the establishment of Jerusalem as the "City of David" (2 Samuel 5:9), which would later become the center of Israel's worship and a symbol of God's dwelling among His people.

Ultimately, 2 Samuel 5:8 reveals David's resolve, Joab's ingenuity, and God's hand in establishing David's kingdom, transforming a pagan stronghold into the spiritual and political heart of Israel.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 11:6 (3 votes)

    And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:9 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 17:25 (2 votes)

    And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

  • Joshua 15:16 (2 votes)

    And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

  • Joshua 15:17 (2 votes)

    And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.