Topical Encyclopedia The Jebusites were an ancient Canaanite tribe that inhabited the city of Jebus, which later became known as Jerusalem. They are mentioned several times in the Old Testament as one of the peoples dwelling in the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. The Jebusites are first introduced in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham.The city of Jebus was strategically located on the border between the territories of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. Despite its central location, the Jebusites managed to maintain control over the city even after the initial Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. The Book of Joshua notes that the Jebusites continued to dwell in Jerusalem alongside the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 15:63, 18:28). The Jebusites' stronghold in Jerusalem remained a significant challenge for the Israelites until the time of King David. The city was well-fortified, and the Jebusites were confident in their ability to defend it. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7 , the narrative describes David's determination to capture 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)." David's conquest of Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. By capturing the city, David established it as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The city became known as the "City of David," and it was here that David brought the Ark of the Covenant, further solidifying Jerusalem's status as the heart of Israelite worship (2 Samuel 6:12-17). The Jebusites were not entirely expelled from the city, as some of them continued to live among the Israelites. However, their political power was effectively broken, and they were assimilated into the Israelite society. In 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 , the account of David's conquest is reiterated: "Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. The people of Jebus said to David, 'You will never get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." The Jebusites' legacy is also noted in the context of Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 9:20-21 , it is mentioned that Solomon conscripted the remaining Canaanite peoples, including the Jebusites, for labor: "As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day." The Jebusites, though initially a formidable presence in the land, ultimately became part of the broader narrative of Israel's establishment in Canaan. Their account is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites, as they took possession of the land He had promised to their forefathers. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 5:6-9And the king and his men went to Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spoke to David, saying, Except you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here: thinking, David cannot come in here. Nave's Topical Index Library Psalm LXII. The Israelites Canaan The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) The Mystery And ii. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Why did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |