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In spite of the account of David's life and exploits recorded in the Bible, some critics doubt that King David actually existed.
by Mario Seiglie
uddenly, as David and his men finished climbing the last hill, there it was, the mighty fortress of Jebus, later called Jerusalem. It was not then under Israelite control, but, as in the days of Joshua, the city was a stronghold of the Jebusites.
What chance did David have of conquering the city? Perhaps the reply of the Jebusites can give the best indication. They taunted him: "'You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot come in here'" (2 Samuel 5:6). They were so confident of their impenetrable stronghold, they shouted to David they would not even put their best men on the walls to defend the city, but would man them with the weakest and most sickly among them.
Yet, as often happens in life and warfare, in their confidence, they overlooked a weak spot that would prove fatal. At the bottom of the hill of the city was a cave that had a natural spring inside. Since water was so vital, the Jebusites had dug a shaft downward to tap this water. David realized that, if someone could go up the shaft, he could secretly enter the city and open the doors. David said: "Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites ... shall be chief and captain ... Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David ..." (2 Samuel 5:8,9). The parallel account in 1Chronicles 11:6 adds: "And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief."
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