2 Samuel 5:1-8 ▼

1 Then all the tribes of Israel (he wrestles with God) came to David (beloved) at Hebron (association) and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

2 Even in times past, while Saul (desired) was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out (he wrestles with God) and brought them back. And to you the LORD {YHWH} said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

3 So all the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God) came to the king at Hebron (association), where King David (beloved) made with them a covenant before the LORD {YHWH}. And they anointed him king over Israel.

4 David (beloved) was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

5 In Hebron (association) he reigned over Judah (praised) seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem (city of peace) he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel (he wrestles with God) and Judah.

6 Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem (city of peace) against the Jebusites (Jerusalemites) who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David (beloved): “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”

7 Nevertheless, David (beloved) captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

8 On that day he (beloved) said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites (Jerusalemites) must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David (who are enemies of David). That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”