God’s Covenant with David

FOLLOWING HIS CORONATION as king over all Israel, David was especially blessed by the Lord. He also had a great desire to build a permanent abode for the Ark of the Covenant. “And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies; That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.”—II Sam. 7:1-3

Although Nathan approved of David’s intention to build a temple for God, the word of the Lord came to the prophet informing him that David would not have the privilege of carrying out this task. Nevertheless, David arranged for the gathering of materials for the construction of the temple, which would be erected during the kingly reign of his son, Solomon.—II Sam. 7:4,5,12,13; I Chron. 28:1-6; 29:1-9

Additionally, God promised David that while he was king, Israel would dwell in safety, as opposed to her experiences during the time of the judges, when the nation was continually besieged by her enemies. God also declared that after David’s death—“when thou shalt sleep with thy fathers”—his descendants would perpetually occupy his throne.—II Sam. 7:10,11,13

Our Key Verse reiterates the supremacy of David’s posterity, and that a kingdom reign without an end would ensue. Although the family line of David did rule over Israel for several centuries, eventually it was removed because of repeated disobedience to God’s laws. These practices of evil resulted in the removal of King Zedekiah from his throne. (Ezek. 21:25-27) Other Scriptures inform us, however, that the ultimate fulfillment of David’s everlasting reign lies with Christ and his church. This is sometimes referred to as the “sure mercies of David.”—Isa. 55:3; Acts 13:32-34

Another evidence that Jesus Christ’s future reign of righteousness is pictured by David is found in the following New Testament account. “The angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”—Luke 1:30-33

As members of the body of Christ, we are striving to complete our walk of obedience and sacrifice during this present Gospel Age. If faithful, even unto death, we will have the unspeakable prospect of sharing in the rulership and glory associated with the Master in God’s soon to be established kingdom. If we overcome the world, the flesh, and the adversary, we will be with Christ and share his heavenly throne.—Rev. 2:10; 3:21