The People of Jebus, also known as the Jebusites, were a Canaanite tribe mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. They are primarily associated with the ancient city of Jebus, which later became Jerusalem. The Jebusites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham.

Historical Background

The Jebusites were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. Their city, Jebus, was strategically located in the hill country, making it a significant stronghold. The Jebusites are frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. In Joshua 15:63, it is noted that the tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem, and they continued to dwell there alongside the Israelites.

Biblical References

The Jebusites are mentioned in several key biblical passages. In Joshua 15:8, the boundary of the tribe of Judah is described as passing by the Jebusite city, which is Jerusalem. Similarly, in Judges 1:21, the Benjamites are said to have failed to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem, indicating their continued presence in the city.

The most significant biblical event involving the Jebusites is King David's conquest of Jerusalem. In 2 Samuel 5:6-9, David captures the stronghold of Zion, which is the city of David, from the Jebusites. The Jebusites had taunted David, believing their city to be impregnable, but David's forces successfully took the city, making it the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Jebusites, like other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheism and were known for their idolatrous worship, which was in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. The biblical narrative often portrays the Jebusites, along with other Canaanite peoples, as morally corrupt and a negative influence on the Israelites, leading to God's command to drive them out of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

Legacy and Significance

The Jebusites' legacy is most prominently tied to the city of Jerusalem. After David's conquest, Jerusalem became the capital of the united kingdom of Israel and later the site of Solomon's Temple. The Jebusites' integration into Israelite society is suggested by the lack of further conflict mentioned in the biblical text after David's conquest. The Jebusite Araunah, for example, is noted in 2 Samuel 24:18-25 as the owner of the threshing floor that David purchased to build an altar to the Lord, indicating a degree of coexistence and assimilation.

The Jebusites serve as a historical reminder of the complex interactions between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan, highlighting themes of conquest, integration, and the establishment of Jerusalem as a central city in biblical history.