King David's Palace

'The time came when King David and his men set out to attack Jerusalem.' (2 Samuel 5.6 GNB) 

Looking around

The famous blue hexagram on the flag of Israel is known as the Star of David. He was, without a doubt, Israel’s iconic king.  

Some 3,000 years ago, David first ruled from the city of Hebron, before moving his residence to Jerusalem. The homeowners, the Canaanite tribe of the Jebusites, didn’t just hand him the keys, so he had to capture their hillfort.  

As seen in the video, the fortress overlooks the area where David had his city built. Not only did the hillfort’s elevated position offer a strategic advantage in case of an attack, but the city’s inhabitants also had access to an underground water source, the Gihon Spring.

The Bible records that, following the capture of Jerusalem, David had a palace built. The ruins of the fortified complex may well be the palace in question. It was left to his son, Solomon, to add another landmark of ancient Jerusalem: the Temple. 

Stepping closer 

What do you want in life? Often, we think we know what we want till we take stock and examine our priorities.  

God described David as a ‘man after his own heart’. God looked at David and saw in him someone who wanted what he wanted. Whether out in the fields protecting sheep from lions, slaying giants, or taking Jerusalem – David’s heart was always after God.  

With Jerusalem won, David built up the city and his palace, paving the way for the presence of God to fill the temple that was subsequently built by his son. See how our actions matter? What we live for today, can be the foundation upon which others build. 

So, what do you want in life? Are you chasing after God and what he wants? Life throws us many worries and concerns that can draw us away from God’s heart. Take a moment to ask him to be your greatest want. Then your life will start to make a difference.  

‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you’ (Matthew 6.33, ESV).