4 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem ( that is, Jebus ); and the Jebusites , the inhabitants of the land , were there . 5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David , "You shall not enter here ." Nevertheless David captured the stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David ). 6 Now David had said , "Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander ." Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first , so he became chief .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:4-6
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:1-9
(Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-9)
David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.