1
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron. "We are your own flesh and blood," they said.
2
"Even in the past when Saul ruled us, you were the one who led Israel in battle. The LORD has said to you, 'You will be shepherd of my people Israel, the leader of Israel.'"
3
All the leaders of Israel had come to Hebron. King David made an agreement with them at Hebron in front of the LORD. So they anointed David king of Israel.
4
David was 30 years old when he became king, and he ruled for 40 years.
5
In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he ruled for 33 years over all Israel and Judah.
6
The king and his men went to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived in that region. The Jebusites told David, "You will never get in here. Even the blind and the lame could turn you away" (meaning that David could never get in there).
7
But David captured the fortress Zion (that is, the City of David).
8
That day David said, "Whoever wants to defeat the Jebusites must reach the lame and the blind who hate me by using the water shaft." So there is a saying, "The blind and the lame will not get into the palace."
9
David lived in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built the city [of Jerusalem] around it from the Millo to the palace.