Imagine if I tried to explain to you Star Wars without explaining the relationship between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. It wouldn’t make much sense, would it? Their relationship is central to the story. In fact, its absence would leave a galactic size hole in the plot.
In effect, that is what Christianity has done with the relationship between King David and Jesus.
On the surface, this oversight makes sense. David and Jesus are separated by a thousand years. Jesus is known by many titles and, of them, “Son of David” is mentioned only seventeen times, fewest of any.
But then, why does their relationship exist at all, and why does it perpetuate across the entire biblical narrative?
For context, David is Israel’s second king. He is promised an everlasting kingdom and an eternal throne. Both these things, he is told, will be established by his offspring, after David is sleeping with his ancestors.
As king, David fails miserably. Some might know the stories of his defeating Goliath, or overcoming bears and lions on his way to becoming king, but there is also the David who commits adultery and murder.
This is the king who divides his house, one who knows only the sword.
And yet, after his death, David keeps appearing repeatedly. The covenant made to him is democratized in Isaiah – anyone seeking the promise of an everlasting kingdom and eternal throne can have it.
In the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, there is talk of David being raised up. In the New Testament Jesus poses the question to the Pharisees; if David calls the Messiah “Lord” how can the Messiah be his son? They don’t have an answer.
In his sermon at Pentecost, Peter goes to some length to explain that David did not ascend to heaven. Fittingly, on the last page of the Bible, Jesus defines their relationship. Why does David’s story persist across the entire narrative?
Because you cannot fully explain who Jesus is without understanding His relationship with David.
In my next book, Resurrection: Breathing with God, I explore their relationship, why it matters, and what it means for you.
The book launches this Fall. You can stay informed here.