The Surprising Truth About David's Jerusalem
What did the city of Jerusalem look like in biblical times? Perhaps you've seen photos of the modern city with its impressive walls and sacred sites. Or maybe you've been fortunate enough to visit the Holy Land yourself. But what was Jerusalem like when David first established it as Israel's capital nearly 3,000 years ago? The answer might surprise you.
David Becomes King of Israel
The Bible tells us in 2 Samuel 5 how David's journey to Jerusalem began:
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel in their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, "You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler."' (2 Samuel 5:1-2)
David was thirty years old when he became king, and the elders of Israel made a covenant with him at Hebron. He initially reigned over Judah for seven and a half years before establishing his rule over all Israel and Judah for an additional 33 years. But to truly unify the kingdom, David needed a capital city that wasn't associated with any particular tribe.
The Conquest of Jerusalem
David set his sights on Jerusalem, which at that time was inhabited by a people called the Jebusites. Scripture recounts:
The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, 'You will not get in here. Even the blind and the lame can ward you off.' They thought, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, which is the city of David. (2 Samuel 5:6-7)
Despite the Jebusites' confidence, David successfully took the city. "David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the city of David. He built up the area around it from the terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with him" (2 Samuel 5:9-10).
David's Jerusalem: Surprisingly Small
David's Jerusalem was a lot smaller than you think.
When we picture ancient Jerusalem, we might imagine a sprawling city with massive walls and grand buildings. The archaeological evidence, however, tells a different story. The Jerusalem that David captured and established as his capital was actually quite small.
The archaeological site known as the "step stone structure" was likely a Jebusite structure that would have been there when David arrived. This structure is probably what David captured when he took the city. On top of this foundation, David likely built his palace with the help of King Hiram of Tyre, who "sent envoys to David along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David" (2 Samuel 5:11).
The entire city of David would have occupied only a small portion of what we now consider Jerusalem. In fact, it would have been just the lower part of the hill, south of what later became the Temple Mount under Solomon. This area is significantly smaller than even the "Old City" of Jerusalem that tourists visit today.
The Growth of Jerusalem Through History
After David's time, Jerusalem expanded gradually. During Solomon's reign, the Temple Mount area was developed. Later, after the northern Kingdom of Israel fell, Jerusalem expanded significantly as refugees arrived from the north.
By Jesus' time, Jerusalem had grown to roughly the size of what is now called the "Old City," surrounded by walls built during the Ottoman period. Modern Jerusalem, of course, extends far beyond these ancient boundaries.
Seeing Scripture in Context
Understanding the scale of David's Jerusalem helps us better appreciate the biblical narrative. When we read about David establishing his capital, we should picture a small, fortified hilltop settlement rather than a grand metropolis.
This perspective reminds us that God often works through humble beginnings. David's modest capital eventually became the center of Jewish worship. As Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, "Who dares despise the day of small beginnings?"
Walking With David's God
David recognized that his success came not from his own strength but from God's presence with him. After establishing his capital, "David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel" (2 Samuel 5:12).
Like David, we can acknowledge God's hand in our lives, regardless of how modest our circumstances may seem. The size of our "kingdom" matters less than the presence of the King of Kings in our lives.
As we reflect on David's Jerusalem, let's remember that God's work often starts small but grows through his faithful presence and our obedience to his calling.
Reflection
What obstacles are you facing that seem as insurmountable as the Jebusite fortress appeared to be?
How does it impact your faith to know that David's significant kingdom began in such a small, humble place?
In what areas of your life do you need to remember that success comes not from your own strength but because "the Lord God Almighty is with you"?
Where might God be calling you to establish something new, despite the challenges or opposition you face?
Application
Today, consider the "fortresses" in your life that seem unconquerable. Perhaps it's a relationship that needs healing, a habit that needs breaking, or a calling that seems beyond your abilities. Remember that David didn't conquer Jerusalem in his own strength—God was with him, making him "more and more powerful." Take one step today toward facing your "fortress," remembering that with God, what seems impossible becomes possible. Write down one specific action you can take, trusting not in your own ability but in God's presence with you.
Prayer
God Almighty, thank you for being the same God who was with David when he conquered Jerusalem. I confess that I often look at the challenges before me and, like the Jebusites, believe they cannot be overcome. Help me to see with eyes of faith rather than fear. Remind me that your power working through me is greater than any obstacle I face. Give me the courage to take the next step in conquering the "fortresses" in my life, knowing that any victory will come not by my strength but because you are with me. May my life, like David's kingdom, become more established not for my glory, but "for the sake of your people." In Jesus' name, Amen.
