“A Thing Happened”

 “The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.” (2 Samuel 5:18)

Background

David perceives he has been anointed the King of Israel.

“Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.” (2 Samuel 5:1)

The people recognize that they are bound by blood relationship to David and David recognizes his relationship to them. All of the Elders of Israel anoint him King. At 22 1/2, David was the King of Judah. Now, 7 1/2 years later, at the age of 30, he is King of Israel, and will remain King for 40 years.

Then a Thing Happened

“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.” (2 Samuel 5:6)

What are the Jebusites saying? Who are these “Blind and Lame” they speak of, and why?

God had commanded the tribes of Israel to destroy the tribes that lived in the promised land. But the tribes of Israel didn’t do as commanded. Instead they lived with the pagans right along side their Idols. False gods made of wood, stone, and brass. The Jebusites think their false idols will protect them.

“And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.” (Judges 1:21)

The Jebusites are taunting David, because they believe the Blind and Lame images will somehow save them, they don’t protect them at all.

“And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” (2 Samuel 5:8)

David now possess Jerusalem and makes it a holy city and it is called “The City of David”.

Lesson

God rebuked the tribes of Israel for living with the pagans. God made all the tribes aware that by allowing false idols within their cities would bring out the sinful nature of man. Falling into league with the world of sinners will ultimately remove people from following God. It is a difficult road to stay with God, Satan has a very easy way of misguiding people. Stay strong in the LORD.

Stay Tuned…