The story we find in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, Chapter 36, about King David and the conquest of Jerusalem, reveals just that. It's a fascinating glimpse into how deeply the covenant of Abraham permeated the Israelite consciousness.
The text tells us that even though the Israelites were numerous – "like the sand of the sea" – their strength wasn't just in their numbers. It was rooted in something far more profound: the enduring power of the covenant, the brit, established with Abraham. This covenant, marked by the sign of circumcision, was not just a ritual; it was a source of immense power and protection.
So, what does this have to do with conquering Jerusalem?
Well, David, a warrior and a king, faced a unique challenge when he set his sights on the city of the Jebusites. 2 Samuel 5:9 tells us, "And David dwelt in the stronghold," but the path to that stronghold wasn't straightforward. The Jebusites felt secure, and perhaps rightly so. They believed their city was impregnable.
But there was a catch. The elders of Israel told David he couldn't enter the city until he removed all the idolatrous images upon which the sign of the covenant of Abraham's oath was written! The Jebusites had somehow weaponized the covenant against its own people. It's a pretty wild idea, isn't it?
2 Samuel 5:6 mentions "the blind and the lame" – and here’s where the interpretation gets interesting. The text clarifies that these "blind and lame" aren't actually referring to disabled people. Instead, they represent the idols themselves. The text quotes 2 Samuel 5:8: "Wherefore they say, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house." These idols, though they might have eyes, cannot see; though they might have feet, cannot walk.
The Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer emphasizes that it's unthinkable that actual blind or lame individuals were barred from the Sanctuary. Heaven forbid! The verse refers to the images, the false gods that David so vehemently opposed. These were "hated of David's soul," the text says.
Why did David hate these idols so much? Because he despised idolatry itself. He couldn't bear to hear of it or see it practiced. His aversion was so strong that it became a guiding principle in his actions, influencing even his military strategy. The removal of these idolatrous images was therefore not merely a symbolic act, but a necessary step for David to take possession of the city, cleansed and ready to become the spiritual heart of Israel.
Ultimately, this story reminds us that physical strength alone is not enough. That adhering to our values, honoring our sacred covenants, and rejecting idolatry in all its forms are essential for true and lasting victory. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, what hidden "idols" might be subtly influencing our own lives today? And what "covenants" might we need to remember to truly overcome the challenges we face?