MPV Commentary

6. The king and his men went to Jerusalem, which was still in the hands of the Jebusites. This was David's first major expedition as king over the entire country.

The city was strongly fortified and considered impregnable. In fact, the Jebusites were so confident that they sent their blind and lame people to man the battlements, mocking David's attack by shouting, "David cannot come in here." To understand the full force of this taunt, it's essential to consider the depth and steepness of the valley of Gihon and the imposing walls of the ancient Canaanite fortress.

7. The stronghold of Zion refers to a towering height that dominates the cityscape from every direction – "the hill fort" or "the rocky hold" of Jerusalem.

8. The phrase "whosoever getteth up to the gutter" is thought by some to refer to a subterranean passage, while others believe it describes a spout through which water was poured onto fires set at the gateways, allowing a skilled climber to ascend successfully. A third interpretation suggests "whosoever dasheth them against the precipice" (1 Chronicles 11:6).

9. After taking control of the stronghold by storm, David renamed it "the city of David," highlighting its significance and commemorating his victory.

David then built fortifications around the city from Millo inward – likely a row of stone bastions on the northern side of Mount Zion, constructed to secure himself against the remaining Jebusites in the lower part of the city. The house of Millo may have been the principal corner tower of that fortified wall.

11-12. Hiram, king of Tyre, sent skilled craftsmen and masons to assist David with his building projects. This influx of foreign architects and mechanics indicates how far the quality of artisans had declined in Israel due to years of war and disorder.