2 Samuel 5:6

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.

Ver. 6. And the king and his men.] Those of the several tribes that came unto him at this time armed and well appointed, fit for some noble exploit.

Went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites.] Who still held the tower of Zion, Judges 1:23 ; Jdg 19:10-11 being a company of ungracious people there gathered together, such as were in that city of Thracia called Poneropolis, whither King Philip had assembled all the infamous persons, and men of evil demeanour, that many places might not be troubled with them. a

Which spake unto David.] Scommate militari, by a military scoff, which did not weaken but waken David's courage.

Except thou take away the blind and the lame.] Which are the best men that we need to set for defence of this our impregnable fort. These thou hadst best deal with first, and then with us: whom thou shalt find to have both eyes and legs to withstand thee. Others think that by "blind and lame" these Jebusites mean their tutelary gods - called by the Israelites blind and lame idols in contempt - who would not fail to defend them against all adverse forces.

a Theopomp. xiii. Philip.