Topical Encyclopedia
David, the son of Jesse, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known primarily as the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). While David is often celebrated for his kingship, military prowess, and poetic contributions, he is also recognized as a prophet within the biblical narrative. His life and writings reveal a deep connection with God, through which he received divine insights and revelations.
David's Prophetic RoleDavid's prophetic role is affirmed in the New Testament, where the Apostle Peter refers to him as a prophet in
Acts 2:30 : "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 foresight into the coming of the Messiah, a descendant from his own lineage, as promised by God.
Psalms and Prophetic UtterancesDavid's prophetic voice is most clearly expressed in the Book of Psalms, many of which are attributed to him. These psalms not only reflect his personal experiences and emotions but also contain messianic prophecies and profound theological insights. For instance,
Psalm 22, a psalm of David, vividly foreshadows the suffering of Christ on the cross, with verses such as "They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing" (
Psalm 22:18) paralleling the events of the crucifixion.
Psalm 110 is another significant example, 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, demonstrating David's role as a seer of future messianic events.
David's Relationship with GodDavid's prophetic insights were deeply rooted in his intimate relationship with God. From his youth, David demonstrated a profound faith and reliance on the Lord, as seen in his confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17). His psalms often reflect a heart that seeks after God, expressing both his struggles and his trust in divine deliverance. This close communion with God enabled David to receive and articulate revelations that transcended his own time.
The Davidic CovenantCentral to David's prophetic significance is the Davidic Covenant, a divine promise made to him by God through the prophet Nathan. In
2 Samuel 7:12-16 , God promises David that his throne will be established forever, a covenant that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. This covenant not only underscores David's role as a prophet but also as a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
David's Legacy as a ProphetDavid's legacy as a prophet is intertwined with his identity as a king and a psalmist. His life and writings continue to inspire and instruct believers, offering a glimpse into the heart of a man who earnestly sought after God and received divine revelations. Through his prophetic psalms and the promises made to him, David remains a central figure in the biblical narrative, pointing to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 16:8-11I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Torrey's Topical TextbookActs 2:25,30
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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Old Prophets and Righteous Men Knew Beforehand of the Advent ...
... 3935] "thus pointing out that what had been declared by David concerning the Son ...
but declaring that it was Himself who was announced by the prophets as Christ ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the old prophets and.htm
One and the Same God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is He whom ...
... there is one and the same God, who was proclaimed by the prophets and announced
by the Gospel; and His Son, who was of the fruit of David's body, that is, of ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix one and the same.htm
And Again David Says Thus Concerning the Death and Resurrection of ...
... not this of himself, for he was not raised after death: but the Spirit of Christ,
who (spake) also in other prophets concerning Him, says here by David: I laid ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 73 and again david.htm
The Gospel Further Relates that the Soldiers Parted the Garments ...
... The Holy Spirit provided that this also should be witnessed beforehand by the Prophets,
for David says, "They parted my garments among them, and upon my ...
/.../25 the gospel further relates.htm
On the Same Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42
... For the Holy Prophets prophesied both, that He should come first to be judged ... They
answered Him, The Son of David." [3074] And this was entirely according to ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlii on the same.htm
Of the Old Testament, Therefore, First of all There have Been ...
... Esther; of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; moreover of the
twelve (minor) Prophets, one book; Job also and the Psalms of David, each one ...
/.../37 of the old testament.htm
The Holy Spirit in Relation to Prophecy. ...
... but the Spirit of Christ, who (spake) also in other prophets concerning Him, says
here by David: I laid me down and slept: I awoke, for the Lord received me.". ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 1 the holy spirit 2.htm
The Psalms of David
... in the Psalms concerning me. HEB. xi.32, 40. David, Samuel, and the prophets --
that they without us should not be made perfect. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/title page.htm
And Again Isaiah the Prophet Says:...
... The Lord said unto me, it is necessary to say that it is not David who speaks, nor
any one of the prophets, in his own person: for it is not a man who speaks ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 49 and again isaiah.htm
The Passage Explained; the Queens, the Holy Souls Before the ...
... For if you will look at the books of Moses, or David, or Solomon, or Isaiah, or
of the prophets who follow, O virgins, you will see what offspring they have ...
/.../chapter iv the passage explained the.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre there prophets in the church today? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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