DAVID AND CHRIST

The Bible is a unique book that gives examples of living, some of which are good and worthy to follow, whilst others are evil and warn us to shun the evil. Whilst it gives the laws and ways of God, it is not filled with do’s and don’ts so much as supplying examples of human behaviour. Some are good, and some not so good; whilst others are decisively not for us to follow. In viewing the life of David we climb with him those lofty peaks of goodness and bravery, and then descend into the valleys of despair, and also observe some of his failings, with his pleas to God for forgiveness. So in comparing David with Jesus we should always be aware that we are giving the highlights of the life of David.

DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

David was first a shepherd boy who minded the sheep of his father. He became an accomplished musician who loved music and poetry. Whilst tending the sheep he reflected on the love and protection of God for Israel, His flock. In consequence David wrote many psalms, so inspiring that they are still regarded as some of the most beautiful descriptions of the love and mercy of God. Psalm 23 is a typical example. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want, He maketh me to lie down in green pasture. He leadeth me beside the still waters, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake" etc.

He was later chosen by God to rule his people Israel, because of his great courage and strength that he derived from his faith in God. Peter says "he (God) raised up unto them (Israel) David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will .(Acts 13:22)

That strength and confidence was demonstrated when he, as a young man slew the giant Goliath of Gath, a Philistine who had defied the God of Israel and his armies. This great feat has become a household word, and his exciting story has been told to children in the home and in the Sunday schools many times over

The name of the giant meant splendour, There he was six cubits and a span tall. This was about 9 to 10 feet, or over 3 meters tall. David by this time was not old enough to enter the army of Israel, and heard the giant challenging the armies of the living God to fight him and win - or be enslaved. His brothers and the rest of the army were trembling, intimidated and humiliated as the great man and his armour bearer challenged them and cursed them in the name of his gods. The giant was armed with a helmet of brass, a coat of mail, with protection on his legs and shoulders. He carried a huge spear with a head weighing 600 shekels of iron. He represented the whole power and splendour of mankind.

Yet David came against him in the strength of the LORD his God, equipped merely with a sling and 5 smooth stones, after rejecting the protection of physical

armour. David was later humiliated by the King of Israel, and caused to flee into hiding for safety until God changed the circumstances of his life in the death of Saul. Then, he was crowned as King of Judah, and then of the whole of Israel the people of God. David greatly enlarged the borders of Israel and protected them from all their surrounding enemies. These are the highlights of the life of David and reflect so much the achievements of the earthly life of Jesus and what will be accomplished upon his return, for Jesus will sit upon the very throne of David in Jerusalem ruling over the Israel. (2Samuel 7:12-14 and Luke 1:33-35)

JESUS CONQUERED THE GREATEST ENEMY OF ALL

While David was still king of Israel he wrote these famous words, "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." Because David had been king he knew this well. Yet this was a prophecy of the 'greater than David', whom he knew would never sin. David had sinned but not Jesus. Our Saviour therefore had conquered the most formidable of foes – SIN. It had enslaved everyone else. All the great champions like David and others had sinned - but not Jesus the Son of the Most High God. He met this most formidable enemy at every turn and triumphed over him even unto death. Then because sin had brought death and the Lord had never sinned, he also conquered death, rising triumphantly from the grave.

This was a greater contest than that of David and Goliath who represented all the strength and splendour of mankind that has its origin in the lusts of men.

JESUS WILL REIGN OVER ALL THE NATIONS

Because Jesus "loved righteousness and hated iniquity God has anointed him with the oil of gladness above his fellows." (Hebrews 1:9). He has been raised to be co-ruler with God and will return from Heaven to reign over all the nations of the earth. David wrote of this time in the future in Psalm 110:1-2, (Hebrews 1:9). He has been raised to be co-ruler with God and will return from Heaven to reign over all the nations of the earth. David wrote of this time in the future in Psalm 110:1-2, "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies." Not only will he reign over Israel where his enemies once crucified him, but David indicates clearly that he will reign over all nations. Psalm 72 says, "Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. 2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. 5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. 7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

No one would seriously say this has been fulfilled to-date. So the prophecy is yet to be fulfilled when Jesus sits upon the throne of David in Jerusalem upon his return, and rules over all the nations of the earth, when there will be peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Oh that He were already here! Surely you with us would desire the Lord Jesus to come.