“David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward.”-2 Samuel 5:9
Let’s dig into verse 9 a bit.
It refers to a place called Millo.
The term means a mound of earth or a rampart, kind of like a terrace in modern terms.
Many believe it refers to what we now call the Ophel, which is located just outside the ancient wall at the north end of the City of David.
I would agree with them.
“Ophel” is another word for mound or slope.
Looking at a map of ancient Jerusalem, you’ll see the City of David, the oldest walled area, sitting lower down the slope from Mount Moriah.
The City of David was surrounded by canyons and valleys, like the Kidron Valley, which helped protect it from attacks.
Between the northern wall of the City of David and the Temple Mount (later built on Mount Moriah), there’s a wide open space called the Ophel.
Many villagers built homes there as the city grew.
The plan was to eventually extend the wall to include this area, making the City of David larger.
So that’s what verse 9 is describing.
So why did David attack Jerusalem?
Of course, everyone will say to make Jerusalem his capital.
But that misses the point.
See, the problem with Hebron, the current capital, was that it represented the Kingdom of Judah.
This meant the northern tribes would never accept that city as the capital for all of Israel.
I bet the northern leaders agreed with David to set up a new, centrally located capital.
Well, Jerusalem fits the bill perfectly!
Why?
Because it was right on the border between Israel and Judah.
You couldn’t find a more central location.
Neither the South nor the North could claim it as its own.
Heck, there weren’t even Hebrews living there at this point.
You couldn’t find a more neutral spot than that.
So what’s the takeaway for today?
Well, we just went over why Jerusalem was the perfect candidate to be Israel’s capital because of its neutral location.
Here’s another thing to consider.
It’s also a perfect candidate to be the world’s capital.
Think about it.
It’s positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.
It’s also one of the oldest cities, with a rich history spanning thousands of years.
But the most important reason of all is that Scripture affirms when Messiah returns…
He will return not only as Israel’s king but as the King of the world, ruling from Jerusalem!
I leave you with these words from the prophet Isaiah:
“Many people will come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the
mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.’
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
-Isaiah 2:3
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“And do not swear by the earth,
for it is the Lord’s,
and the footstool of His feet;
nor by Jerusalem,
for it is the city of the great King.”
-Matthew 5:35
“I saw the Holy City,
the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully
dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying,
‘Look! God’s dwelling place
is now among the people,
and he will dwell with them.'”
-Revelation 21:2-3
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets
and stone those sent to you,
how often I have longed
to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks
under her wings,
and you were not willing.
Look, your house is left to you desolate.
For I tell you,
you will not see me again until you say,
‘Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord.'”
-Matthew 23:37-39
Leave a Reply