1. Jerusalem was an Impregnable City
6And 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.” 2 Samuel 5:6 (ESV)
The phrase “blind and the lame” could be a reference to the great fortification of the city or a sarcastic response to David’s perspective of the Jebusite idols.
2. Jerusalem became a Redeemed City
7Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 2 Samuel 5:7-8 (ESV)
The book of Chronicles records that this event is where Joab became David’s commander.
6David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. 1 Chronicles 11:6 (ESV)
3. Jerusalem is a Favored City
9And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him. 2 Samuel 5:9-10 (ESV)
“The stronghold of Zion” points the reader to the great significance the city of Jerusalem would have for God’s people and all the promises associated with this place. (v.7)
Jerusalem went from being synonymous with wickedness to being synonymous with the knowledge of God, the pursuit of God, and the blessing of God.
1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded; 2the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. 3Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah Psalm 87:1-3 (ESV)
As Christians we recognize the significance of present day Jerusalem, but we also look forward to a new Jerusalem.
14For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:14 (ESV)
2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 (ESV)
4. Jerusalem is a Reflective City
The Salvation of Jerusalem is a reflection of our own salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jonathan Edwards says of Jerusalem: “It was redeemed by David, the captain of the hosts of Israel, out of the hands of the Jebusites, to be God’s city, the holy place of his rest for ever, where he would dwell. So Christ the Captain of his people’s salvation, redeems his church out of the hands of devils, to be his holy and beloved city.”