1 Chronicles 11:4

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

And David {H1732} and all Israel {H3478} went {H3212} to Jerusalem {H3389}, which is Jebus {H2982}; where the Jebusites {H2983} were, the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776}.

David and all Isra'el went to Yerushalayim, also known as Y'vus; and the Y'vusi, the inhabitants of that region, were there.

Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land.

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:4 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, detailing King David's strategic move to establish Jerusalem as the nation's capital. This verse sets the stage for the conquest of a city previously known as Jebus, inhabited by the Jebusites, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of David's early reign.

Context

Following his anointing as king over all Israel, King David led the unified tribes to Jerusalem. This city, then known as Jebus, was a formidable stronghold occupied by the Jebusites, a Canaanite people who had resisted Israelite conquest for centuries. The account here in 1 Chronicles parallels the narrative found in 2 Samuel 5:6-9, providing details of this crucial strategic move. The capture of Jebus was essential for David to consolidate his power and create a neutral, central capital for the newly united kingdom, away from tribal rivalries.

Key Themes

  • The Establishment of a Unified Capital: David chose Jerusalem because it was not tied to any specific tribe, making it a neutral and central location for the newly unified kingdom of Israel. This strategic move helped solidify his reign and foster national unity.
  • Conquest of a Stronghold: The Jebusites' continued presence in the land represented a significant challenge to Israel's complete dominion. David's successful capture of Jebus, which immediately follows this verse (see 1 Chronicles 11:5), marked a pivotal victory, securing a vital strategic point.
  • Fulfillment of God's Plan: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the capture of Jerusalem set the stage for its future role as the spiritual and political heart of Israel, the city where the Temple would eventually be built (see 2 Chronicles 3:1).

Linguistic Insights

The name Jebus (Hebrew: ื™ึฐื‘ื•ึผืก, Yษ™แธ‡ลซs) and its inhabitants, the Jebusites, simply identify the pre-Israelite city and its people. The KJV's parenthetical '[is]' and '[were]' clarify that Jebus was the contemporary name for Jerusalem at the time of the Jebusite occupation, indicating its previous identity before David's conquest.

Significance and Application

1 Chronicles 11:4 reminds us of the importance of strategic leadership and the pursuit of unity. Just as David conquered a physical stronghold, believers today are called to overcome spiritual strongholds in their lives and communities (see 2 Corinthians 10:4 for principles of spiritual warfare). The establishment of Jerusalem as a central place also foreshadows the future spiritual centrality of Christ, who is the true head and unifying force for His people (Ephesians 1:22). This verse lays the foundation for understanding why Jerusalem holds such profound significance throughout biblical history and prophetic literature.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 1:21 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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.

  • Joshua 15:63 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 15:8 (3 votes)

    And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

  • 1 Chronicles 11:5 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 15:21 (3 votes)

    And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

  • Genesis 10:16 (2 votes)

    And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,

  • Exodus 3:17 (2 votes)

    And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.