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Then David and his subjects traveled from Hebron to Jebus, which is now known as Jerusalem, where the Jebusites lived. The Jebusites threatened David, “You shall not pass through these gates.” Nevertheless David captured the stronghold (Zion), now known as the city of David, and made it his capital.

David uses this conquest to identify his best warriors.

David (challenging the men): The first man who kills a Jebusite will be rewarded with the rank of chief and commander.

Joab (a son of Zeruiah) won the challenge, attacking first and becoming a chief. After the conquest David lived in Zion, so it became known as the “city of David.” He fortified the city with earthen ramparts while Joab repaired the damages caused by the conquest. David, along with the city, grew in power because the Eternal One, Commander of heavenly armies supported him.

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David Conquers Jerusalem(A)

David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites(B) who lived there said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.

David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander in chief.” Joab(C) 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](D) to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. And David became more and more powerful,(E) because the Lord Almighty was with him.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 11:8 Or the Millo

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

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.

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.

And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.

And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.

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