King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:4 Mean?

“And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.”

Context

And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel. in time: Heb. both yesterday and the third day feed: or, rule

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. by: Heb. by the hand of

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. chief: Heb. head

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4-9) **THE CAPTURE OF ZION BY JOAB’S VALOUR, AND DAVID’S SETTLEMENT THERE.** The accession of the new king is followed by a warlike enterprise, according to the precedent of Saul (1 Samuel 11). This agrees with the reason assigned for the election of a king (1Samuel 8:20), as well as with what we know of Assyrian custom, and is a mark of historic truth. (4) **And David . . . land.**—Samuel is briefer: “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem, to the Jebusite, the inhabitant of the land.” The chronicler adds the explanatory “that is Jebus,” because of the after-mention of the Jebusite. He then further modifies the form of the original statement, continuing “and there (lived) the Jebusite (*collect.*)*,* the inhabitants,” &c. **Jerusalem** means city of Salem; Assyrian, *Ursalimmê.* But in Hebrew the name has been so modified as to suggest “vision of peace.” In Greek the name became Hierosolyma, “Sacred Solyma.” **Inhabitants of the land.**—A standing name of the native Canaanites, and equivalent to indigenæ, or Ἀυτόχθονες.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.