I Chronicles 11:4-9 - “And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, ‘You will not come in here.’ Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David… And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joan repaired the rest of the city. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.”
This passage (along with II Samuel 5:6-10) gives us insight into how Jerusalem came to be the center of the people of God and David’s kingdom. It formerly belonged to the Jebusites and was therefore called Jesus in ancient times. This city was thought to be impregnable because of it’s position between three different valleys.
However, David challenged his men that if anyone could lead the way, he would be in charge of his army. Joab took the challenge and climbed up a shaft from the water tunnels below the city. This shaft is still there to this day as one of the best archeological finds. With his bold move, David and his men were able to enter the city and establish David’s capital.
But there is another reason as to why Jerusalem became the sacred place where Solomon would eventually build the temple. David was successful because “the Lord of hosts was with him.” It’s the same for us today, as followers of Jesus. His presence makes our respective places sacred - places where God is with us and blesses us.
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