There are too many events in this chapter to cover them all, including David being anointed king (again) by all the elders of Israel, the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and some Philistine defeats.
“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, ‘You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off’ – thinking, ‘David cannot come in here.’ Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. And David said on that day, ‘Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack “the lame and the blind”…’ And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.” (v6-10 abr)
The Jebusites are an ancient people descending from Canaan, Noah’s grandson (Genesis 10:15-16). They inhabited Jebus, the original name for Jerusalem. More recently, they were mentioned as Joshua led his campaign into Canaan: “But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.” (Jos 15:63)
There was a stronghold (a large fortress-like city) built on a hill within the heart of Jerusalem. Israel was unable to capture the stronghold, so the Jebusites still dwelt there. The Jebusites boasted that their fortress was ‘impenetrable’, mocking David that even blind and lame people could defend it. Yet, David cunningly led an assault on the fortress (most likely with God’s guidance) and finally defeated them. David then claimed the stronghold for himself, and called it and Jerusalem the ‘City of David’.
Have you ever had an issue with pride? I know I certainly haven’t (yes, that’s a joke, of course I have). The Jebusites were proud of their fortress and mocked David. The people of Jericho mocked Joshua and Israel for marching around their impenetrable city. Yet, no matter how great people think they are, God has a way of humbling them.
There are many verses on pride, some of which I’m sure we’ve heard before, so I’ll be brief. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Pro 16:18) ” ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ ” (Jas 4:6b) “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” (Pro 16:5)
Pride by God’s definition is basically preferring a self-will over God’s will. Pride is the root sin of which many other surface sins are merely symptoms. Rebellion, covetousness, idolatry (even of one’s self), sexual immorality, and others are all symptomatic of us choosing our will over God’s (pride).
I encourage us today that there is great hope: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chr 7:14) When we voluntarily humble ourselves (surrender our will and seek God’s will) He will be gentle and forgive us. Why wait? Let’s humble ourselves today, rather than forcing God to humble us against our will (like Jericho and Jebus did).
Father God, our Almighty Lord and King, You are magnificent beyond compare. Please gently help us to humble our prideful hearts, and forgive our sin of being self-willed. Please help us to know and obey Your will above all others, and serve You gratefully and without hesitation. In the name of Jesus who made this relationship possible, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training