Definition: And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 5:6. It's a really significant passage about God’s plan for David and his future role in Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God knows about David and wants him to come to Jerusalem. However, he’s setting a condition: David can't come if he doesn’t remove the obstacles – the blind and lame. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites…” : This describes a visit from David’s advisors, who are coming to Jerusalem. The “Jebusites” are a group of people living in the area around Jerusalem. They’re probably a bit disgruntled or suspicious of David. “…the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying…” : This refers to someone speaking to David – likely a prophet or leader. The “which” is important; it's referring to God himself. “Saying, ‘Except thou take away the blind and the lame…’” : This is the core of the verse. God is telling David that if he wants to be in Jerusalem, he has to make a specific choice: remove the physical impairments – the blindness and limp – of people in the area. “Thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.” : This is a crucial part. God is saying that only if David removes these obstacles, will he be allowed to enter Jerusalem. He’s essentially saying, "If you don't eliminate the problems, you won't be welcome here." What does this verse mean about David? Historically and symbolically, this verse speaks to several key ideas: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events and has a plan for everything. He knows what needs to happen, even if it seems difficult or challenging. God’s Favor: It highlights that God wants David to be part of his kingdom and to fulfill his role as king. His arrival is seen as a blessing. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God isn't just passively watching events unfold; He’s actively intervening to help David achieve his purpose. In short, this verse establishes a significant opportunity for David to become king of Israel and demonstrates God's plan for his future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the significance of this verse in the context of the Old Testament story?