4-6 David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (it was the old Jebus, where the Jebusites lived). The citizens of Jebus told David, “No trespassing—you can’t come here.” David came on anyway and captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David. David had said, “The first person to kill a Jebusite will be commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah was the first; and he became the chief.

7-9 David took up residence in the fortress city; that’s how it got its name, “City of David.” David fortified the city all the way around, both the outer bulwarks (the Millo) and the outside wall. Joab rebuilt the city gates. David’s stride became longer, his embrace larger—yes, God-of-the-Angel-Armies was with him!

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Now David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be [a]chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief. Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it [b]the City of David. And he built the city around it, from [c]the Millo to the surrounding area. Joab [d]repaired the rest of the city.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 11:6 Lit. head
  2. 1 Chronicles 11:7 Zion, 2 Sam. 5:7
  3. 1 Chronicles 11:8 Lit. The Landfill
  4. 1 Chronicles 11:8 Lit. revived

David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander in chief.” Joab(A) son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.

David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. He built up the city around it, from the terraces[a](B) to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 11:8 Or the Millo