*2 Samuel 5:1-12
After being anointed king by all the tribes of Israel, David conquers Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital.
- David Anointed King Over Israel and Judah:
- The elders of Israel come to Hebron, where David had been reigning over Judah.
- They acknowledge David’s leadership and propose him as their king.
- A covenant is made between David and the elders, solidifying his kingship over both Judah and Israel.
- David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years.
- David Conquers Jerusalem:
- David leads his army to Jerusalem, known as Jebus at the time, which was inhabited by Jebusites.
- The Jebusites taunt David, claiming that even the blind and the lame could defend the city against him.
- Nevertheless, David captures the stronghold of Zion, establishing it as the City of David.
- David builds up the city around the stronghold, and he becomes increasingly powerful, with the Lord’s support.
- David’s Growing Greatness:
- Hiram, the king of Tyre, sends messengers to David, along with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons, to build a palace for him.
- David realizes that the Lord has established him as king over Israel and has exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people.
2 Samuel 5:1-12 teaches us that God’s timing and plans are always best. David waited many years to become king, but when the time was right, God established him as a strong and successful leader. This reminds us to be patient and trust that God is working in our lives, even when things don’t happen as quickly as we’d like. When we follow God’s direction and rely on Him, He can lead us to greater purpose and blessings, just as He did for David.
2 Samuel 5:1-12 (WEB)
5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. The LORD said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’ ” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel.4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.6 The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “The blind and the lame will keep you out of here,” thinking, “David can’t come in here.” 7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. This is David’s city. 8 David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him go up to the watercourse and strike those lame and blind, who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame can’t come into the house.”9 David lived in the stronghold, and called it David’s city. David built around from Millo and inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of Armies, was with him. 11 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house. 12 David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.