The Reign of David

GOLDEN TEXT: “As for God, his way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” —II Samuel 22:31

II SAMUEL 5:6-10

THE secret of David’s success as ruler over Israel is in the fact that he “inquired of the Lord.” (II Sam. 2:1) No matter how small or how great one’s service of the Lord may be, divine direction and blessing are essential, else failure is sure to result. And David’s rulership over Israel was a service for God, for he “sat upon the throne of the Lord.” (I Chron. 29:23) This being true, it was eminently proper that he should seek God’s guidance and blessing.

Having been accepted by Israel as king, David then proceeded to rid Jerusalem of the Jebusites, and to set up his capital there, so Jerusalem became known as the city of David. The lesson states that “David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.” In the Hebrew text, the thought is given that he “went, going and growing”; that is, as long as David was king the Lord prospered him, and his kingdom grew.

The kingdom of Israel was typical of the messianic kingdom, and David, as king, foreshadowed Christ in his rulership over all nations. Concerning the Messiah, it is prophesied that “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”—Isa. 9:7

The typical kingdom of Israel was overthrown in 606 B.C., and their last king, Zedekiah—that “profane wicked prince of Israel”—was dethroned and taken captive to Babylon. At that time it was prophesied that this kingdom would “be no more,” until he came whose right it is, and that it would then be given to him. (Ezek. 21:27) Jesus is the One “whose right it is,” and in Isaiah’s prophecy quoted above he is said to “establish it with judgment and justice.” Because David was so greatly beloved by the Lord, the “throne” in the antitypical kingdom of the Lord is called by his name—“the throne of David.”

II SAMUEL 8:13-18

TWO outstanding facts are brought to our attention in this lesson passage. The first is that “the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.” The keeping power of God in the life of David was manifested from the day he was chosen and anointed to be the successor to Saul. He guided the stone which smote the Philistine giant, and protected this “stripling” from falling into the hands of Saul and being killed. In a still more wonderful manner the Lord guided and preserved David after he actually became king.

The other important fact is that “David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.” All God’s laws are just and righteous, and David’s delight was in them. Not only were they his meditation day and night, but being so wholeheartedly in sympathy with God’s righteous laws, it was but natural that he should apply them in his rulership over the people.

Few of Israel’s kings did rule the people with “judgment and justice.” But David did. Israel’s kingdom during his reign became a fitting symbol, or type, of the messianic kingdom. Possibly this is another reason the reign of Christ is said to take place “upon the throne of David.” In any event, we know that the reign of Christ, even as David’s reign, will execute “judgment and justice,” and even more so, for it will not be hampered by human imperfections as was the case with King David.

Our Golden Text reveals the great confidence David had in the Lord. He knew that God’s ways were perfect, so he wanted to be guided by them. He knew that he could put his trust in the Word of the Lord, for he had put the Lord to the test many times and had always found him faithful. He knew that the Lord would help and protect him in his every time of need if he continued to put his trust in him. What a reassuring testimony! And what a comfort it should be to us, for Jehovah is our God also, and he is dealing with us as prospective kings and priests, and will supply all our needs.

QUESTIONS

What was the secret of David’s success as king of Israel?

Why was it proper that David should look to the Lord for guidance in the rulership of Israel?

Of what was the kingdom of Israel a type?

What are two of the outstanding facts in connection with David’s reign?

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