Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 11:5 together. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about David’s actions. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “The people of Jebus (which is essentially the region around Jerusalem) told David to stop coming to his city. But David, despite that warning, did continue to build and occupy the city of Zion – which was originally the city of David.” Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David…” : This means people in a distant area (Jebus) were expressing their disapproval or concern about David’s actions. “…Thou shalt not come hither.” : This is a very direct command from Jebus. They were saying, “Don't come here!” It’s a clear boundary set. “Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion…” : This is the crucial part. David did continue to build and occupy the city of Zion. He essentially established it as his own capital. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights a significant problem: David's ambition and desire for power led him to defy God’s instructions and ultimately claim a city that was meant for the people of Israel. It points towards a pattern in history – humans often prioritize their own desires over obedience to divine law and guidance. Context is important: The Old Testament: This verse comes from the Book of Chronicles, which tells us about the history of the Israelites before they entered into covenants with God. The Covenant: The story of David's behavior is connected to the covenant (agreement) between God and Israel. David’s actions were seen as a challenge to God’s authority and a betrayal of the agreement. In short, it’s a reminder that it’s always better to follow God’s commands, even when it's difficult. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Chronicles? Discuss the historical context behind this passage?