Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Sepulchre of

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The sepulchre of David, the illustrious King of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history and tradition. David, the son of Jesse, was anointed by the prophet Samuel and became the second king of Israel, reigning approximately from 1010 to 970 BC. His sepulchre is mentioned in the Scriptures and has been a site of reverence and historical interest throughout the ages.

Biblical References

The burial of King David is recorded in the Old Testament. In 1 Kings 2:10 , it is stated, "Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David." The "City of David" refers to the ancient stronghold of Zion, which David captured and established as the political and spiritual center of Israel, later known as Jerusalem.

The sepulchre of David is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Acts 2:29 , during Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, he declares, "Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day." This reference indicates that David's tomb was a known and accessible site during the time of the apostles.

Historical and Archaeological Context

The exact location of David's sepulchre has been a subject of debate and exploration. Traditionally, it is believed to be located on Mount Zion, within the boundaries of the ancient City of David. Over the centuries, various sites have been proposed as the resting place of the revered king, but definitive archaeological evidence remains elusive.

In the medieval period, a site on Mount Zion was venerated as the Tomb of David, and it became a place of pilgrimage for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. This site, known as the Cenacle, is also associated with the location of the Last Supper. However, the authenticity of this site as David's actual burial place is not confirmed by archaeological findings.

Theological Significance

The sepulchre of David holds theological significance as it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to David and his lineage. David's covenant with God, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, promised that his throne would be established forever. This covenant is foundational to the messianic hope in the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.

David's sepulchre serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly kingship and the enduring nature of God's promises. While David, a man after God's own heart, was laid to rest, the hope of an eternal kingdom through his lineage continues to resonate in Christian theology.

Cultural and Religious Impact

Throughout history, the sepulchre of David has been a symbol of Jewish identity and heritage. It represents the golden age of Israel under David's rule and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of the Jewish people. For Christians, it is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises through the line of David, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

In summary, the sepulchre of David is a site of historical, theological, and cultural importance. While its exact location remains uncertain, its significance in the biblical narrative and its impact on Jewish and Christian traditions are undeniable.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 2:29
Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The History of David
... in the sepulchre of Abner. And then came all the tribes of Israel to David in Hebron,
saying: We be thy mouth and thy flesh, when Saul lived and was king on us ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... kingdom, in the form in which David's descendants ruled ... hearts rejoicingly confess,
'Thou art the King of glory ... were but partially fulfilled in Israel's monarchs ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

The First Kings.
... no more such monarchs in Israel, after David and Solomon ... the son of Solomon, was
made king over Judah ... became sovereign of the ten tribes, who were called Israel. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Poetical Books.
... had been before him in Jerusalem except his father David. ... any more than the "Idylls
of the King" could have been ... it is a consolation to afflicted Israel; it is ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Hymn for the Epiphany
... Distraught, the tyrant base doth hear That now the King of Kings draws near To
reign in David's seat of state And Israel's empire dominate. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xii hymn for the epiphany.htm

The Providence of God
... to give David the crown, to make him king; but providence ... David earnestly desired
the life of his child, which was ... the sea was a safe passage to Israel, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Matthew.
... showing him to be the son and heir of David the king ... a faith the like of which Jesus
did not find in Israel. ... sons (21:28-32); the marriage of the king's son (22 ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... We remember how David's earliest exploits were against the lion ... grand prophetic picture
of the true King is heralded by 'The Book of Israel spake to me ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... accountable for his acts as king, though he had deprecated the throne, [410]61;
king of Israel referred to, [411]113; his treatment of David, [412]230. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm

The Israelites
... The Philistines became undisputed masters of Israel west of the Jordan, while their
tributary vassal, David, was proclaimed King of Judah at Hebron. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm