Son of David

March 9, 2014 Background Scripture: Psalm 89; Isaiah 9:1 – 7; Matthew 1:18 – 2:6; Luke 1:26 – 33 Lesson Passage: Psalm 89:35 – 37; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Matthew 1:18 – 23 There are a handful of people recorded in the bible who had a relationship with God that was nothing short of remarkable. God’s relationship with David is an example of just that. David’s initial innocence and heart that was quick to repent when confronted by God or His representative is noteworthy. The bible does not give us a record of David choosing God. Rather, biblical history shows us just the opposite—God chose David. When David appeared to have been rejected by his own family as someone who could possibly achieve greatness one day, God made choice of David above his older brothers. David’s older brothers were soldiers in Israel’s army but God gave Israel victory over their enemy by the hand of the shepherd boy, David. Later, God elevated the shepherd boy to be king over all of His people. David grew in favor with his brethren and he was feared by his enemy. All of this was the result of God’s hand upon David. God went further and declared that He would establish David’s throne forever. David’s descendants would continue to rule over God’s people without end. There was nothing David did to deserve such graciousness from God. God extended this unmerited favor to David. From the time of David throughout the remainder of Israel’s history, God continuously renewed his promise to David. Israel has long used songs as a method of preserving their history. As the children of Israel praised the Lord through singing, the words of their praise gave forth a strong testimony of their long-term relationship with God. Through the psalmists, who were inspired of God, God reminded Israel of his faithfulness to her and the many promises and warnings they received throughout their generations. In Psalm 89, the words reflect God’s covenant with King David and his descendants. God promised to establish an eternal dynasty through the descendants of King David. The promise also includes warnings that God would chastise David’s descendants who would dare to sit on the throne and walk in disobedience to God. God promised to use the rod of men to punish them. Again, the promise of God included a provision of the eternal existence of the throne of King David. This provision was echoed by the prophet Isaiah. Through the prophet Isaiah, God renewed His promise of an eternal king to reign over the eternal kingdom. Isaiah also included the reminder that the eternal king would be a descendant of King David. From the time of King David to the time of the prophets during and after the monarchy of Israel, the promise of the eternal kingdom was reiterated time and again. Again, Israel’s praise and worship songs kept the teachings of the patriarchs alive. There was a king coming through the lineage of King David who would rule Israel forever. The fulfillment of the promise finally arrived in the region of Judea during the reign of Herod the Great. An angel of God announced to a virgin named Mary that the time had come for the fulfillment of God’s promise to David. Since Mary was to be used and she was not yet married, this created a dilemma for the man to whom she would be married. This dilemma was resolved when the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream and reassured him that what was happening was of God. This baby is Jesus. He descended through the lineage of David and he is the eternal king. Robert C. Hudson February 25, 2013