שמואל ב, פרק ה׳, פסוק ז׳

The capture of Jerusalem marks a major historical and military turning point, shifting control of a highly fortified region directly into the hands of the Israelite king. The military campaign focused entirely on seizing the area's central strategic target. The Jebusite defense system was complex, split into the main city and a separate, exceptionally powerful fortress located just outside the city of Jebus [אברבנאל, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Realizing that the city walls could not be breached through the main gate, David adapted his battle plan. He flanked the enemy lines, moving around to the opposite side to launch a direct assault on the fortress [מלבי״ם].

A key aspect of this conquest was the king's direct involvement on the battlefield. Rather than delegating the task to his military commanders, David captured the stronghold himself through his own personal bravery [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. Only after securing this fortress did he turn his attention to the much more complex mission of conquering the rest of the city.

The Jebusites had set up sophisticated defenses to protect the main city. These included mechanical statues powered by wind and water pressure, designed to strike down anyone attempting to enter. Overcoming this obstacle required a precise strike on the local water pipe to completely neutralize the mechanism [אברבנאל, רלב״ג].

Following the successful conquest, David established his residence in the newly captured territory, prompting a name change [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. The stronghold was renamed the City of David to honor the king for taking the fortress with his own hands, while also elevating the prestige of the location itself [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].