Definition: And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is] Jebus; where the Jebusites [were], the inhabitants of the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 11:4. It’s a really important and somewhat troubling passage in the Bible about David and his actions. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is] Jebus; where the Jebusites [were], the inhabitants of the land.” Let’s unpack it into simpler parts: “And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem…” – This tells us that David, a powerful king, led a large group of people – essentially, all of Israel – to the city of Jerusalem. “…which [is] Jebus…” - "Jebus" is a Hebrew word meaning "the barren place." It's crucial here. It refers to a specific location in the region – a desolate area that was considered cursed or forbidden. “…the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.” - This explains why they went to Jerusalem. The Jebusites were a group of people who lived there and were considered to be an obstacle to David's success. They were often seen as rebellious and difficult to control. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse describes a situation where David, despite being a great king, disobeyed God’s commands and acted in a way that angered God and caused trouble for his people. It highlights a potential consequence of pride and disobedience – leading to conflict with divine authority. Why is this important? It's a warning against arrogance and excessive ambition. The Bible emphasizes that it’s always better to follow God’s will, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. This verse shows that David’s actions, while perhaps driven by pride, ultimately brought negative consequences for everyone. In short, the verse warns against seeking power and glory at the expense of following God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme within this passage (like pride or obedience)?