2 Samuel 5 · a question people ask
What are the words about "the blind and the lame" in 5:6-8?
The words come first from the Jebusites: "The blind and the lame will keep you out of here" (5:6), "thinking, “David can’t come in here.”" (5:6). Then David takes up their words on the day the stronghold is taken: "Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him go up to the watercourse and strike those lame and blind, who are hated by David’s soul" (5:8) (tap watercourse). Then the verse gives a saying that came from it: "Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame can’t come into the house.”" (5:8). The chapter doesn't explain the Jebusites' boast, say who "those lame and blind" (5:8) are, or say which house the saying means, and this answer doesn't go past it. Chronicles' telling of the day has neither the watercourse nor the blind and the lame (1 Chronicles 11:4-7).
The verses
“The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “The blind and the lame will keep you out of here,” thinking, “David can’t come in here.” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. This is David’s city. David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him go up to the watercourse and strike those lame and blind, who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame can’t come into the house.””
“David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (also called Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here!” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. The same is David’s city. David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it David’s city.”