1 Chronicles 11:4-9
“Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, ‘You shall not enter here.’…” (4-5b). David was recognized as the king in Hebron, but the capitol and worship center for Israel was to be in Jerusalem. However, there existed two major stumbling blocks to taking this city. First, others occupied the city. Second, the present inhabitants would have to be defeated. David faced opposition from Saul and had learned the value of relationships. Overcoming this obstacle in his journey would require strong leadership and so he offered a reward of position to whoever first defeated a Jebusite. “Now David had said, ‘Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.’ Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.” (6) Not only did Joab express courage in this, but he supported David by repairing the city after he moved into the stronghold. What had been a hindrance to David became a place of power and strength [stronghold] for him. “David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.” (9) David knew the value of God’s presence, but he also knew the value of those who served with him. We can only be successful when we value those God gives us.