I Chronicles 11:4-9 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 11:4-9 Commentary: David Captures Jerusalem
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem. This passage shows how Zion became the City of David and Joab became commander.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, making it his capital and establishing it as the center of a united kingdom.
- Key words: Jebus (H2982), stronghold of Zion (H4686/H6726), Joab (H3097), Millo (H4407), Yahweh of Hosts (H3068/H6635).
- Main debate: Whether Joab officially became commander-in-chief only at this point, and the meaning of the 'blind and lame' taunt preserved in 2 Samuel 5.
- Theological theme: God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises of land and leadership, working through human courage and strategic action.
- Best use: A case study in how God overcomes long-standing obstacles and establishes His king's rule, applicable to personal 'strongholds' that need God's power.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
4Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land.
5The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).
6Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.
7So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David.
8He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.
9And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.
WEB World English Bible 2000
4David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (also called Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.
5The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here!” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. The same is David’s city.
6David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.
7David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it David’s city.
8He built the city all around, from Millo even around; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
9David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh of Armies was with him.
KJV King James Version 1769
4And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.
5And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
6And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
7And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.
8And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
9So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
4And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.
5And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.
6And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.
7And David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David.
8And he built the city round about, from Millo even round about; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
9And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah of hosts was with him.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
4And David goeth, and all Israel, to Jerusalem--it is Jebus--and there the Jebusite, the inhabitants of the land.
5And the inhabitants of Jebus say to David, `Thou dost not come in hither;' and David captureth the fortress of Zion--it is the city of David.
6And David saith, `Whoever smiteth the Jebusite first doth become head and prince;' and go up first doth Joab son of Zeruiah and becometh head.
7And David dwelleth in the fortress, therefore they have called it, `City of David;'
8and he buildeth the city round about, from Millo, and unto the circumference, and Joab restoreth the rest of the city.
9And David goeth, going on and becoming great, and Jehovah of Hosts is with him.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
4And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.
5And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. But David took the stronghold of Zion, which is the city of David.
6And David said, Whoever smites the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
7And David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David.
8And he built the city round about, even from the Millo round about; and Joab renewed the rest of the city.
9And David became continually greater; and Jehovah of hosts was with him.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
4And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus, where the Jebusites were the inhabitants of the land.
5And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David: Thou shalt not come in here. But David took the castle of Sion, which is the city of David.
6And he said: Whosoever shall first strike the Jebusites, shall be the head and chief captain. And Joab the son of Sarvia went up first, and was made the general.
7And David dwelt in the castle, and therefore it was called the city of David,
8And he built the city round about from Mello all round, and Joab built the rest of the city.
9And David went on growing and increasing, and the Lord of hosts was with him.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 11:4
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this passage fills out the account in 2 Samuel 5:6-10, which appears to have omitted details. Barnes notes a manifest defect in the Samuel text; only Chronicles records Joab's role and the rebuilding work. Cambridge Bible points out that the Jebusites taunted David with a boast about blind and lame defenders, a boast omitted here to focus on David's victory. Keil and Delitzsch describe the capture of the citadel of Zion and the choice of Jerusalem as royal residence. The consensus is that the Chronicler emphasizes the Jebusite origin of Jerusalem to highlight a point: a city that had resisted Israel since Joshua (Joshua 15:63, Judges 1:21) fell to David by God's enablement. The closing line, 'Yahweh of Armies was with him,' is the theological key, David's growing greatness came from divine presence, not merely military skill.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: David captured the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and made it his capital, and the Chronicler attributes his growing success to the presence of Yahweh of Armies.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Joab's promotion to chief/commander | Joab became a chief after this exploit; he led the first assault and was rewarded. | Some commentators (e.g., Wesley) argue Joab was already a captain under David and now became commander over all Israel; others (e.g., Barnes) see this as the formal appointment. 2 Samuel 2:13 shows Joab commanding troops earlier, suggesting a confirmation rather than an initial promotion. |
| The 'blind and lame' taunt | The Jebusites expressed confidence that their city was impregnable. | In 2 Samuel 5:6-8, the taunt includes 'the blind and the lame' as sufficient defenders. The Chronicler omits this, likely to avoid a difficult phrase. Interpretations range from literal disability to a proverbial expression of contempt. |
| Identification of Millo | Millo is part of the fortifications of the City of David. | Cambridge Bible suggests a solid tower or an armory; Keil and Delitzsch treat it as a terrace-fill. The Hebrew root (m-l-') means 'fill,' possibly a raised rampart or supporting structure. |
| The Chronicler's purpose vs. 2 Samuel | Both accounts describe the conquest of Jerusalem, but the Chronicler adds details about Joab and the rebuilding. | Barnes and Cambridge view the Chronicler as filling gaps in Samuel; others see theological emphasis on David's legitimacy and God's presence, downplaying the taunt to highlight victory. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Jerusalem was first mentioned in the Bible as Salem under Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18), but by the time of the conquest it was a Jebusite stronghold. The Jebusites were descendants of Canaan (Genesis 10:16), and God had promised Israel the land of the Jebusites (Exodus 3:17). Yet the conquest was incomplete: Judah could not drive them out (Joshua 15:63), and Benjamin failed too (Judges 1:21). For centuries a pocket of Canaanite resistance remained inside the tribal territories.
The city sat on a ridge with deep valleys on three sides, a natural fortress. Its water supply came from the Gihon Spring, accessible through a tunnel system. When David approached, the Jebusites jeered that even the blind and lame could defend the city (2 Samuel 5:6). The Chronicler omits that taunt, perhaps to keep the focus on David's success and Joab's courage.
David needed a politically neutral capital. Hebron, his base for seven years, was in Judah. By capturing Jebus, a city on the border of Judah and Benjamin, he created a capital that belonged to no single tribe. The term 'Millo' (H4407) likely refers to terraced fill or a supporting rampart. Joab's role in rebuilding shows the consolidation of the new capital.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this passage in 1 Chronicles. Differences between 1 Chronicles 11:4-9 and 2 Samuel 5:6-10 (such as the omission of the 'blind and lame' taunt and the addition of Joab's role) are editorial choices by the Chronicler, not evidence of textual corruption. The Hebrew text of Chronicles is stable across manuscripts.
Reception History
Early Christian writers saw the capture of Zion as a type of Christ's victory over spiritual strongholds, with Jerusalem representing the church. Medieval Jewish exegetes, including Rashi, noted the persistent Jebusite presence as a lesson in the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's command to drive out the inhabitants. During the Reformation, Matthew Henry observed that 'God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way', applying the passage to God's ability to overcome any obstacle. The Geneva Bible notes emphasize the strategic importance of Jerusalem as a united capital. Across traditions, the passage has been read as a demonstration of divine faithfulness working through human initiative.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Unconquered City, Jerusalem remained in enemy hands for centuries despite God's promise. Sin and compromise leave strongholds unclaimed.
- The Personal Reward, David's offer of promotion for the first attacker rewarded initiative and courage. Joab stepped up and secured his place.
- The Divine Presence, 'Yahweh of Armies was with him.' David's greatness did not come from strategy alone but from the God who fights for His people.
Five-point outline
- An ancient promise unfulfilled (the Jebusite presence since Joshua).
- A bold defiance (the Jebusites' confidence in their fortress).
- A courageous exploit (Joab climbs first and becomes chief).
- A new capital established (Jerusalem becomes the City of David).
- A growing kingdom (David increases because God is with him).
Illustration hooks
- A home renovation project that sat undone for years, until one person took the first risky step and inspired everyone else.
- A workplace where a junior employee sees a problem no one else will tackle, steps up, and earns a promotion.
- An old family conflict that seemed impossible to resolve, but someone willing to be the first to apologize opened the way for healing.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did God allow the Jebusites to stay in the land so long if He had promised to drive them out?
- Was it right for David to promise the commander's role as a reward for violence?
- How do we know when God's 'presence' is with us in a tangible way, as it was with David?
Leading a Discussion
This passage marks a turning point in Israel's history, the capture of a city that had resisted for centuries. As you read, notice how the Chronicler frames the event: it is not just a military victory but a sign that God is fulfilling His promise to give Israel the land.
Discussion questions
- The passage identifies Jerusalem as 'Jebus' and its people as Jebusites. Why does the Chronicler emphasize this old name and their Canaanite origin?
- Compare this account with Joshua 15:63 and Judges 1:21. What does the long survival of the Jebusites tell us about the state of Israel's obedience to God's command?
- David offers the position of chief and captain to whoever strikes the Jebusites first. What does this say about David's leadership style and his ability to motivate people?
- Joab was David's nephew (son of Zeruiah). What advantages and complications might come from promoting a family member to the top military post?
- The passage ends with 'David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh of Armies was with him.' How does the author connect David's success to God's presence? Can you think of other Bible characters who grew because God was with them?
- Jerusalem becomes the 'City of David.' Why was it important for Israel to have a capital that was neither in Judah nor in Benjamin's territory?
- What 'Jebusite strongholds', long-standing problems or unclaimed promises, exist in your own life? How might God be calling you to take the first step of faith?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 10:16 | the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, |
| Genesis 15:21 | the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” |
| Exodus 3:17 | I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ |
| Joshua 15:8 | The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward. |
| Joshua 15:63 | As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day. |
| Joshua 18:28 | Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families. |
| Judges 1:21 | The children of Benjamin didn’t drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem, but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. |
| Judges 19:10 | But the man wouldn’t stay that night, but he rose up and went near Jebus (also called Jerusalem). With him were a couple of saddled donkeys. His concubine also was with him. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes observes that the parallel account in 2 Samuel has a textual gap, and the Chronicler supplies details missing there. Only this passage preserves Joab's personal prowess and his role in building the city of David after the conquest.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary distinguishes between Jerusalem’s Jebusite citadel, which David stormed, and a lower city with a mixed population. It notes that the Jebusites are called “inhabitants of the land” because they were one of the seven nations dispossessed at the conquest. The parallel account in Samuel more accurately says “the king and his men” rather than “David and all Israel.”
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes emphasize that David's prosperity and growth in Jerusalem were not due to his own strength but because the Lord of hosts was with him. This divine presence explains both his victory over the defiant Jebusites and his successful building of the city. The commentary grounds the entire account in God's active favor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB draws a specific distinction: David built a new town north of Mount Zion, while Joab was separately charged with repairing the old Jebusite quarter. His work included fixing siege breaches, rebuilding demolished houses, and preserving what survived the fighting. This reconstruction assignment appears nowhere else.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch observe that the chronicler uses the Hebrew word for "make alive" to describe rebuilding the ruined city, the same phrase found in Nehemiah. They also note that the comment on David's increasing might serves as a deliberate transition, opening the way for the history of his reign that follows.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange observes that the Chronicler deliberately highlights only the bright side of David’s reign, omitting the rival kingdom of Ishbosheth and Joab’s violent actions. This selective glorification of David’s kingdom as an ideal theocracy also leads the author to place the hero list at the start rather than the end of his history.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry's emphasis falls on the sovereignty of God's purpose. He notes that David's accession, long delayed and opposed, finally happened because God had spoken it. No human plan or obstacle can stand when God has decreed a thing. His counsel will be fulfilled at last.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the person did inquire of the Lord after a fashion, but not in the right manner—not humbly, penitently, diligently, or perseveringly, and only when he had reached the last