though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),

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.

And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David.

David's Mighty Men

Now these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.

David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains:

And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David.

And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you.

Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’

Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.