Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: David As Prophet

◄ David: King of Israel: David As Prophet ►

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David, the second king of Israel, is renowned not only for his leadership and military prowess but also for his role as a prophet. His prophetic contributions are primarily found in the Psalms, where he expresses profound insights into the nature of God, the coming Messiah, and the spiritual life of believers.

David's Prophetic Role

David's prophetic role is affirmed in the New Testament, where he is explicitly referred to as a prophet. In Acts 2:30, the Apostle Peter, speaking on the day of Pentecost, declares, "But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne." This acknowledgment highlights David's unique position as a king who also received divine revelations.

Messianic Prophecies

David's writings contain numerous Messianic prophecies, which are seen as foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ. One of the most significant is found in Psalm 22, where David vividly describes suffering that parallels the crucifixion of Christ. Verses such as Psalm 22:16, "They pierced my hands and my feet," are seen as prophetic insights into the events of the New Testament.

Psalm 110 is another critical text, where David writes, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet'" (Psalm 110:1). This verse is frequently cited in the New Testament as a prophecy concerning the exaltation of Christ, affirming His divine authority and eternal priesthood.

The Psalms as Prophetic Literature

The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, serve as a rich source of prophetic literature. They not only express personal lament and praise but also reveal divine truths and future events. David's ability to articulate the human experience in relation to God's eternal plan underscores his prophetic gift.

In Psalm 16:10, David writes, "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." This verse is interpreted in the New Testament as a prophecy of Christ's resurrection, as seen in Acts 2:27 and Acts 13:35, where it is applied directly to Jesus.

David's Spiritual Insight

David's prophetic insight extends beyond specific predictions to encompass a deep understanding of God's character and His covenant with Israel. His psalms often reflect a profound awareness of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. For instance, Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance, reveals David's understanding of sin and the need for divine forgiveness, themes that resonate throughout Scripture.

Conclusion

David's role as a prophet is integral to his legacy as a man after God's own heart. His psalms continue to inspire and instruct believers, offering a glimpse into the divine mysteries revealed to him. Through his prophetic writings, David not only shaped the worship and theology of Israel but also pointed forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 23:2-7
The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue.
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1 Chronicles 28:19
All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand on me, even all the works of this pattern.
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Matthew 22:41-46
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
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Acts 2:25-38
For David speaks concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
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Acts 4:25
Who by the mouth of your servant David have said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
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Library

David Appointing Solomon
... name was still dear enough to all Israel to ensure ... entrance of Solomon on office
till after David's death, so ... But the old king, shaking off his languor, as a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

David.
... Saul, who was then the King of Israel, had spells of insanity, and
David was sent for to try and calm him by his music. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

The History of David
... and Nathan the prophet anointed him king upon Israel and blew in a trump and said:
Live the King Solomon. ... seat in his father's throne, and David worshipped him ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... The king of Israel therefore inquired of God again concerning ... had given her, [for
at this time David had taken ... 4. Now when the king saw that his affairs grew ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... reached the place with the food for his brothers, he was amazed to see that the
men of Israel were so ... Then it was told to King Saul how David had come and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... So after three hundred years under the fifteen Judges, Israel now had a king. ... no
one knew at that time the anointing to mean that David was to be the king. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

David's Sin.
... Then Nathan said to David, "Thou art the man," and he told him how greatly the Lord
had blessed him in making him King over Israel, and in delivering ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv davids sin.htm

First and Second Samuel.
... his purposes. Second Samuel. In this book, there is given the story
of the career of David while king of Israel. He was ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... David likewise made the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and ... and became the most
powerful king in the East ... tried the Sweet Psalmist of Israel, shepherd, prophet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

David the Outcast.
... Lord, and knew also that it was the King who had ... kingdom was taken from him and given
to David, and that ... he went away through the dark to the camp of Israel. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm