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
In the biblical narrative, David had recently been anointed as king over all Israel and was leading his forces to capture the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, who had long held it as a stronghold. He issued a challenge to his warriors, promising rewards like chief positions to anyone who could enter the city through a vulnerable point, such as a water shaft, and defeat the defenders, including their mocking claim that even the blind and lame could hold the city. This event solidified David's control over Jerusalem, transforming it into his capital and a central site for his kingdom.
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