2 Samuel 5:8
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
في ذَلِكَ اليَوْمَ، قالَ داوُدُ لِرِجالِهِ: «إنْ كُنْتُم تُرِيدُونَ هَزْمَ اليَبوسِيِّينَ، أُعبُرُوا نَفَقَ المِياهِ، وَنالُوا مِنْ أولَئِكَ الأعْداءِ وَالعُرجِ وَالعُمْيُ.» لِذا يَقولُ النّاسُ: «لا يُمْكِنُ للْعُمْيِ وَالعُرْجِ أنْ يَدْخُلوا الهَيكَلَ.»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, David is speaking and offering a reward to whoever can take control of the city from the Jebusites, including the blind and lame who are hated by David. The reward is a leadership position, but it also implies exclusion of the blind and lame from David's household.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where you have to climb up a really tall tree to get a special prize. David is like the game leader who says, 'Whoever climbs up and beats the mean kids (Jebusites) gets to be the leader of the game. But remember, no one who can't climb or see well can join the game.'
Historical Background
This verse is from the book of 2 Samuel, written by the prophet Nathan and possibly the prophet Gad. It was likely composed between 960-587 BCE. The text reflects the historical context of David’s rise to power and his military strategies against his enemies.
Living It Out Today
Today, a similar situation could be a manager offering a promotion to the team member who can solve a difficult problem, with the stipulation that those who cannot contribute to the solution are not considered for the promotion, highlighting the challenges of inclusion and exclusion in leadership roles.
Topics
leadershipexclusionmilitaryrewarddiscriminationpower
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David exclude the blind and lame from his household?
David likely excluded the blind and lame to emphasize the physical requirements for leadership and military strength, reflecting the cultural norms of his time that valued physical prowess.
What does the 'gutter' refer to in this verse?
The 'gutter' is likely a reference to the water channels or defensive structures of the Jebusite city, which David’s forces had to overcome to capture the city.
How does this verse relate to leadership principles?
This verse illustrates how leaders sometimes set challenging tasks as a means to identify capable individuals, often rewarding them with leadership positions based on their performance.
Can you explain the concept of hate in this context?
The term 'hated of David's soul' in this context likely refers to David's negative feelings towards the Jebusites and their supporters, including the blind and lame, who were considered a threat to his authority.