So David took up residence in the fortressThis phrase marks a significant moment in David's reign as king. The "fortress" refers to the stronghold of Zion, a Jebusite city that David captured, which is strategically located on a hill, providing a natural defense. This move signifies the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The fortress symbolizes God's provision and protection, as David consolidates his rule over a united Israel. This act fulfills God's promise to David, establishing his kingdom and foreshadowing the eternal kingdom of Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David.
and called it the City of David.
By naming the fortress the "City of David," David asserts his authority and legacy. This name not only marks his personal achievement but also signifies the beginning of Jerusalem's central role in Israel's history. The City of David becomes synonymous with the Davidic dynasty, which is crucial in biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah. The title "City of David" is later used in the New Testament to refer to Bethlehem, linking Jesus' birth to David's lineage and fulfilling messianic prophecies.
He built it up all the way around,
David's construction efforts indicate his commitment to fortifying the city, ensuring its security and prosperity. This building project reflects the importance of Jerusalem as the capital and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. The expansion and fortification of the city demonstrate David's wisdom and leadership, as he prepares Jerusalem to be the center of worship and governance. This act of building also prefigures the future construction of the Temple by Solomon, David's son, which becomes the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
from the supporting terraces inward.
The "supporting terraces" likely refer to the Millo, a structure or series of terraces that provided additional fortification and stability to the city's walls. This construction technique highlights the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the time. The inward building suggests a focus on strengthening the city's core, ensuring that it could withstand external threats. This inward development symbolizes the spiritual fortification of Israel, as Jerusalem becomes the heart of religious life and the center of God's covenantal promises. The emphasis on building from the terraces inward can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, starting from a strong foundation and moving towards a deeper relationship with God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who establishes his rule by taking residence in Jerusalem, which becomes known as the City of David.
2.
The FortressRefers to the stronghold of Zion, which David captures and makes his dwelling place, signifying the establishment of his kingdom.
3.
City of DavidThe name given to Jerusalem after David conquers it, marking it as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
4.
Supporting TerracesThese are the structures or fortifications that David builds up around the city, indicating his efforts to strengthen and secure his kingdom.
5.
JerusalemThe city that becomes the capital of Israel under David's rule, symbolizing God's chosen place for His people.
Teaching Points
Establishing God's KingdomDavid's establishment of Jerusalem as the City of David is a model for how believers are to establish God's kingdom in their lives, prioritizing His presence and purposes.
Spiritual FortificationJust as David built up the supporting terraces, Christians are called to fortify their spiritual lives through prayer, scripture, and community, ensuring a strong foundation in Christ.
Significance of PlaceThe transformation of Jerusalem into the City of David highlights the importance of dedicating our homes and communities to God, making them centers of worship and service.
Leadership and LegacyDavid's actions in making Jerusalem his capital demonstrate the impact of godly leadership and the legacy it leaves for future generations.
God's SovereigntyThe establishment of Jerusalem as the City of David underscores God's sovereign plan in history, reminding believers of His control and purpose in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:9?
2.How does David's establishment in 2 Samuel 5:9 reflect God's faithfulness?
3.What leadership qualities does David exhibit in 2 Samuel 5:9?
4.How can we "build all around" our spiritual lives like David did?
5.What does David's growth in 2 Samuel 5:9 teach about God's provision?
6.How does 2 Samuel 5:9 connect with God's covenant promises to David?
7.What is the significance of David's choice to dwell in the fortress in 2 Samuel 5:9?
8.How does 2 Samuel 5:9 reflect David's leadership and kingship over Israel?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of David's construction in 2 Samuel 5:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5?
11.What is Zion and its biblical significance?
12.Is there archaeological evidence to support the mention of the “tower of David” and its “thousand shields” in Song of Solomon 4:4?
13.Does the lack of any definitive archaeological finds supporting David’s grand monarchy cast doubt on the credibility of 2 Samuel 7?
14.How can 2 Samuel 5’s claim of unanimous tribal support (5:1-3) be reconciled with limited archaeological evidence for widespread recognition of David’s rule?What Does 2 Samuel 5:9 Mean
So David took up residence in the fortress“ So David took up residence in the fortress ” (2 Samuel 5:9a).
• This verse follows David’s capture of Zion, the stronghold of the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-7).
• By moving in, David establishes Jerusalem—strategically located and previously unconquered—as Israel’s new political and military center (Psalm 125:2;Isaiah 2:3).
• The action fulfills God’s promise to give David rest from his enemies (2 Samuel 7:1) and points ahead to the secure refuge God provides His people (Psalm 18:2;Proverbs 18:10).
and called it the City of David“ … and called it the City of David ” (2 Samuel 5:9b).
• Renaming the fortress personalizes the capital, tying the city’s identity to the covenant king (1 Chronicles 11:7).
• The title endures through Scripture, even for Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:11), underscoring God’s continuing plan through David’s line (2 Samuel 7:16;Jeremiah 33:17).
• The designation highlights God’s faithfulness in exalting the humble shepherd to national prominence (1 Samuel 16:11-13;Psalm 78:70-71).
He built it up all the way around“ He built it up all the way around ” (2 Samuel 5:9c).
• David fortifies Jerusalem’s walls, expanding the city beyond the original stronghold (1 Chronicles 11:8;1 Kings 9:15).
• The work reflects prudent stewardship: securing what God has given (Nehemiah 4:14;Proverbs 24:27).
• It also prefigures the coming kingdom when peace and security will be complete under the Messiah (Isaiah 9:7;Zechariah 2:5).
from the supporting terraces inward“ … from the supporting terraces inward ” (2 Samuel 5:9d).
• “Supporting terraces” refer to stepped structures buttressing the hillside—preventing erosion and creating space for dwellings (2 Kings 16:20;2 Chronicles 32:5).
• David’s construction shows thoughtful urban planning, enhancing livability for his growing population (Psalm 122:3-4).
• Spiritually, it pictures how God builds His people layer by layer, providing stable foundations (Psalm 127:1;Ephesians 2:19-22).
summaryDavid’s move into Zion, renaming it the City of David, and strengthening its defenses mark the tangible beginning of his God-ordained rule. The verse shows a king trusting God’s promise, wisely securing his realm, and setting the stage for the messianic hope that flows through his lineage. Our takeaway: embrace God’s provisions, fortify what He entrusts, and look forward to the perfected kingdom He guarantees.
(9)
The fort.--The same word as
strong holdin
2Samuel 5:7.
Millo.--A word always used in Hebrew with the definite article (except inJudges 9:6;Judges 9:20),the Millo.It is probably an old Canaanitish name for the fortification on the northern end of Mount Zion, "inward" from which the palace was situated. Subsequent kings, as Solomon (1Kings 11:27) and Hezekiah (2Chronicles 32:5), saw its importance and added to its strength. On all other sides Zion was protected by precipitous ravines. There is, however, some difference of opinion about the topography of ancient Jerusalem. . . .
Verse 9. -
David dwelt in the fort. It was the stronghold or citadel of Zion which David took for his abode; but as he needed space for the dwellings of his mighty men, and for those who would soon flock for trade and security to the capital, David proceeded to fortify the whole of the summit. His works began from "the Millo," rendered "the citadel" by the LXX. Many, deriving the name from a Hebrew root signifying to fill, think that it was a mound, but Nature had herself supplied fit heights for defence, and it is evident that the place was called "the Millo" when David captured the city. We find "Beth-Millo" also in
Judges 9:6, 20, where it signifies those who held the citadel of Shechem; and this Mills at Jerusalem was without doubt the old Jebusite keep, and the explanation of its name must be sought in the Jebusite language. As it formed one of the strongest defences of the city, it was rebuilt by Solomon (
1 Kings 9:24;
1 Kings 11:27), and repaired by Hezekiah (
2 Chronicles 32:5) in preparation for the Assyrian attack. Probably it stood at a corner, whence the phrase, "round about from the Millo and inward," or, as it is expressed in
1 Chronicles 11:8, "from the Millo inward," that is, starting from. the Millo, the walls enclosed the space behind it. In the parallel place (
1 Chronicles 11:8) we find an interesting addition to the narrative, namely, that "Joab repaired the rest of the city." It appears from this that the Jebusites had occupied a good deal of the ground with their habitations, though probably the number of the tribe was not great; or possibly there remained old buildings which were the remains of the Hittite city, and which, being of massive construction, were easily made fit once again for human habitation. We see also proof of Joab's great ability in peace as well as in war. He it was who had captured the stronghold, and it was now his office to arrange the streets and plan of the city, and to assign dwellings to David's mighty men. This would be a work sure to cause jealousy and heart burnings, and no one but Joab, their old commander, could have satisfied them. We find that he assigned to one of them, Uriah the Hittite, a space of ground for a dwelling close to the royal palace. We may suppose, then, that David was now fully reconciled to the "hard sons of Zeruiah" (
2 Samuel 3:39), and in the stern wars which followed David's election, he needed and had the full benefit of their vigour and ability.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Davidדָּוִד֙(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessetook up residenceוַיֵּ֤שֶׁב(way·yê·šeḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin the fortressבַּמְּצֻדָ֔ה(bam·mə·ṣu·ḏāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4686:A net, capture, a fastnessand calledוַיִּקְרָא־(way·yiq·rā-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readitלָ֖הּ(lāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrewthe Cityעִ֣יר(‘îr)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof David.דָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseHeדָּוִד֙(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessebuilt it upוַיִּ֤בֶן(way·yi·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildall the way around,סָבִ֔יב(sā·ḇîḇ)Adverb
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, aroundfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe supporting terracesהַמִּלּ֖וֹא(ham·mil·lō·w)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4407:Millo -- a rampart, the citadelinward.וָבָֽיְתָה׃(wā·ḇā·yə·ṯāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004:A house
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OT History: 2 Samuel 5:9 David lived in the stronghold and called (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
