This verse from 2 Samuel 5:6 describes David's attempt to conquer Jerusalem, which was then controlled by the Jebusites. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land..." This sets the scene: David, now king of Israel, is leading his army to attack Jerusalem, aiming to capture it from its current occupants, the Jebusites.
"...who spoke to David, saying, 'The blind and the lame will keep you out of here'..." The Jebusites, confident in the strength of their city's defenses, taunt David. They claim that even the weakest members of their society (the blind and the lame) could defend the city and prevent David's army from entering. This is a highly insulting and dismissive statement.
"...thinking, 'David can't come in here.'" This clarifies the Jebusites' mindset. They were utterly sure that their city was impenetrable and that David's attack would fail. They believed their defenses were so strong that even the most vulnerable among them could hold off David's mighty army.
In essence, the Jebusites' statement is a boast of invincibility and a show of contempt for David. The insult they use, referring to the "blind and the lame," highlights their arrogance and underestimation of David's capabilities. This sets the stage for David's eventual conquest of Jerusalem, which demonstrates his strength and leadership, and underscores the Jebusites' misjudgment. The verse serves to emphasize the difficulty of the challenge David faced, making his subsequent victory even more impressive.
This verse from 2 Samuel 5:6 describes David's attempt to conquer Jerusalem, which was then controlled by the Jebusites. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land..." This sets the scene: David, now king of Israel, is leading his army to attack Jerusalem, aiming to capture it from its current occupants, the Jebusites.
"...who spoke to David, saying, 'The blind and the lame will keep you out of here'..." The Jebusites, confident in the strength of their city's defenses, taunt David. They claim that even the weakest members of their society (the blind and the lame) could defend the city and prevent David's army from entering. This is a highly insulting and dismissive statement.
"...thinking, 'David can't come in here.'" This clarifies the Jebusites' mindset. They were utterly sure that their city was impenetrable and that David's attack would fail. They believed their defenses were so strong that even the most vulnerable among them could hold off David's mighty army.
In essence, the Jebusites' statement is a boast of invincibility and a show of contempt for David. The insult they use, referring to the "blind and the lame," highlights their arrogance and underestimation of David's capabilities. This sets the stage for David's eventual conquest of Jerusalem, which demonstrates his strength and leadership, and underscores the Jebusites' misjudgment. The verse serves to emphasize the difficulty of the challenge David faced, making his subsequent victory even more impressive.