The Jebusites were one of the ancient Canaanite tribes mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. They are primarily known for their association with the city of Jerusalem, which was originally called Jebus. The Jebusites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham.

Historical Background

The Jebusites were inhabitants of the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They are often listed among the various Canaanite peoples that the Israelites were commanded to dispossess from the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 7:1, the Lord instructs the Israelites, "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you."

Jerusalem and the Jebusites

The city of Jebus, later known as Jerusalem, was a significant stronghold of the Jebusites. Despite the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, the Jebusites maintained control over Jerusalem for a considerable period. In Joshua 15:63, it is noted, "But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So to this day, the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah."

The Jebusites' control over Jerusalem continued until the time of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7, we read about David's conquest of the city: "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. And the Jebusites said to David, 'You will never get in here; even the blind and lame can repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)."

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Jebusites, like other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheism and were known for their idolatrous worship, which was in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh commanded to the Israelites. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the Jebusites and other Canaanite peoples. In Exodus 23:23-24, God commands, "For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will annihilate them. You must not bow down to their gods or serve them, nor follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces."

Legacy and Significance

The Jebusites' legacy is most prominently tied to the city of Jerusalem, which became the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David. The city's capture marked a significant turning point in Israelite history, as it became the site of the future Temple built by Solomon. The Jebusites' presence in biblical history serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in establishing their identity and religious practices amidst surrounding pagan cultures.

The Jebusites, though eventually assimilated or displaced, are a testament to the complex history of the land of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land that would become Israel.Jeb'usite (8 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:8
And the border went up by the Valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward--the same is Jerusalem--and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 24:16
And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented Him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people: 'It is enough; now stay thy hand.' And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
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2 Samuel 24:18
And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him: 'Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.'
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1 Chronicles 21:15
And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it; and as he was about to destroy, the LORD beheld, and He repented Him of the evil, and said to the destroying angel: 'It is enough; now stay thy hand.' And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
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1 Chronicles 21:18
Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
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1 Chronicles 21:28
At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
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2 Chronicles 3:1
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father; for which provision had been made in the Place of David, in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
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Nehemiah 9:8
and foundest his heart faithful before Thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, even to give it unto his seed, and hast performed Thy words; for Thou art righteous;
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Jeb'usite (8 Occurrences)
Jeb'usite. Jebusite, Jeb'usite. Jebusites . Multi-Version Concordance
Jeb'usite (8 Occurrences). Joshua 15:8 And the border went ...
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Jebusites (29 Occurrences)

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Jebusite (39 Occurrences)

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