King David and His Royal Line

👑 Is King David of Israel a historical fact? Some people today see him only as a fictionalized character, if not a myth. But here's the truth: David is often mentioned in the Bible, he himself wrote many songs and letters we found today in Psalms. His life is recorded in the books 1 and 2 Samuel, and is also mentioned in the New Testament. Given all this information about David, what can we learn from his life and writings?

David lived around the year 1000 BC. He was born in Bethlehem, a small city in the country of Israel (about 10 km from Jerusalem). David was a Jew, of the tribe of Judah. He grew up under the reign of Israel’s first king, Saul. When he was 30 years old, he himself became Israel’s second king. He reigned 7.5 years over part of the country, and then another 33 years over all of Israel.

David didn’t seem to have an impressive personality. He was often on the sideline, underestimated even by his own family. When the prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s family for a sacrifice to the Lord (and to secretly anoint a new king), David was not even called to join. Apparently, as the youngest, he didn’t really count.

But this ordinary Bethlehemite, a 'keeper of sheep' was chosen by God to become the new king of Israel. That’s not an easy task of course, and it took years before David would really be recognized as king.

During his reign, king David was often at war with surrounding neighbors, and his victories enlarge Israel's territory. As God commented later on: “I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you” (2 Samuel 7:9).

God described David as “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, cf. Acts 13:22). What made him “a man after God’s heart”? Although he was a great sinner, he deeply repented of his sin and always sought God. His faith was on God, trusted Him always, honored and followed His laws/commandments. His writings in Psalm 119 is a testament on how he knew God, followed His word! His heart was expressed in Psalm 139:23-24, when he wrote:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!”

David was the second king of Israel, and God promised him: “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16).

The royal line of David brought forth many kings. His descendants reigned until the people of Israel were finally sent into exile.

This brings us to the ultimate “Son of David”. As God had promised through the prophets, the Messiah will appear and will come from the royal line of David. People had very high hopes of this Messiah: he would restore Israel’s political freedom and bring peace and prosperity. He would restore their relationship with God, and lead the people in righteousness.

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

This Messiah is Jesus the Christ (Greek word χριστός [chrīstós], meaning "anointed one"). He came to rescue his people from sin and death, and will soon return to reign in righteousness. This was attested to in the gospel of Luke, when Jesus finally came in the human flesh:

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33).

| RDH