David Takes Jerusalem

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, (A)that is, Jebus, where the Jebusites were, (B)the inhabitants of the land. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first (C)shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city. And David (D)became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.

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David Captures Jerusalem

Later, David and all of Israel marched to Jerusalem (then known as Jebus, where the Jebusites lived when they inhabited the land). The inhabitants of Jebus told David, “You’re not coming in here!” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, now known as the City of David.

David had announced, “Whoever first attacks the Jebusites will be appointed chief and commander.” When Zeruiah’s son Joab went up first, he became chief. David occupied[a] the fortress, so it was named the City of David after him. He built up the walls surrounding the city in a complete circle from the terrace ramparts,[b] and Joab repaired the rest of the city. David became more and more prestigious because the Lord of the Heavenly Armies was with him.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 11:7 Or lived in
  2. 1 Chronicles 11:8 Lit. the Millo, fortified areas of ancient Jerusalem with terraces and retaining walls