And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
David said that day, 'Whoever climbs up through the water tunnel and attacks the Jebusites—including the lame and blind who are despised by David—will become chief commander.' That's why people say, 'The blind and lame cannot enter the temple.'
David promised that whoever led the attack against Jerusalem through its water system would become his top military commander, which led to a lasting saying about the disabled not entering the temple.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during David's conquest of Jerusalem from the Jebusites around 1000 BC. The Jebusites had mocked David by saying even their blind and lame could defend the city against him. The 'gutter' refers to Warren's Shaft, an ancient water tunnel system that provided access into the heavily fortified city.
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