Chapter 70—The Prosperous Reign of David
This chapter is based on
2 Samuel 5:6-25
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6
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7
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9
;
10
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Twenty miles from Hebron a place was selected as the future
metropolis of the kingdom. It had been called Salem. Eight hundred
years before, it had been the home of Melchizedek, priest of the most
high God. It held a central position in the country and was protected
by hills. On the border between Benjamin and Judah, it was close to
Ephraim and easy of access to the other tribes.
To secure this location the Hebrews must dispossess a remnant
of the Canaanites who held a fortified position on the mountains of
Zion and Moriah. This stronghold was called Jebus and its inhabitants,
Jebusites. For centuries, Jebus had been looked upon as impregnable.
But it was besieged and taken under the command of Joab, who, as
reward, was made commander-in-chief of the armies of Israel. Jebus
became the national capital, and its heathen name was changed to
Jerusalem.
Hiram, king of Tyre, now lent his aid to David in erecting a palace
at Jerusalem. Ambassadors were sent from Tyre, accompanied by
architects and workmen and costly material.
The increasing strength of Israel in its union under David excited
the hostility of the Philistines, and they again invaded the country,
taking up their position but a short distance from Jerusalem. David
with his men of war retired to the stronghold of Zion. “And David
inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt Thou
deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up:
for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.”
[511]
David advanced at once, defeated them, and took from them the
gods which they had brought to ensure victory. Exasperated by their de-
feat, the Philistines gathered a larger force and returned to the conflict.
Again David sought the Lord and the great I AM took the direction of
the armies of Israel.
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