Topical Bible: King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty

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The selection of David as king and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty is a pivotal narrative in the history of Israel, reflecting divine sovereignty and covenantal promises. The process by which David was chosen as king is detailed in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, and it underscores the theological theme that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances.

David's Anointing

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God to be king over Israel after Saul, the first king, failed to obey God's commands. The prophet Samuel was sent by God to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king. Despite Jesse presenting his older sons, God instructed Samuel to anoint David, who was tending sheep at the time. The Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This anointing signified God's choice and the beginning of David's journey to kingship.

David's Rise to Kingship

David's path to the throne was marked by trials and divine favor. After his anointing, David gained national recognition by defeating Goliath, the Philistine giant, which demonstrated his faith and God's power working through him. Despite Saul's jealousy and attempts on his life, David remained steadfast and loyal to God. His respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed is evident in his refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:6).

The Davidic Covenant

David's kingship was solidified when he was anointed king over Judah at Hebron and later over all Israel. His reign was characterized by military victories, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center, and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city. God's covenant with David, known as the Davidic Covenant, is a central element of his dynasty. In 2 Samuel 7, God promises David that his house and kingdom will endure forever, and his throne will be established forever. "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant is foundational for the messianic hope in the Old Testament, as it points to the coming of a future king from David's line who will establish an everlasting kingdom.

The Davidic Dynasty

The Davidic dynasty continued through Solomon, David's son, who built the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling part of the covenantal promise. However, the subsequent kings of Judah varied in their faithfulness to God, leading to periods of reform and apostasy. Despite the eventual exile and the apparent end of the Davidic line, the prophets continued to speak of a future restoration and a righteous Branch from David's line (Jeremiah 23:5).

The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, affirming His lineage from David and His eternal kingship. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary highlights this connection: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David" (Luke 1:32).

In summary, the selection of David and the establishment of his dynasty illustrate God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 16:1-13
And the LORD said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
... be such, by protecting the house of the king, on whom ... name might be there, and I
have chosen David to be ... And in connection with this choice, David (the Davidic ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise in 2 samuel.htm

Samuel
... by a providential course of events, Saul becomes the chosen man ... king as a rejection
of the divine king, and the ... 3, 15, it is hardly likely that David would have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... an exception of the palace of the king; and, by ... they have become wicked, the words
of David have acquired ... to bid," to "command." The word is chosen on purpose ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

And ii.
... still to be, the seat of the Davidic race ... astonishment, symbolized the relation of
the subjects to their king. ... of the castle of Millo which David already found ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... that the adoption should not be invalid by which He had chosen Abraham's progeny ...
of Judah shall also give up Jehovah his God, and David his King, only in ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm