December 14: King David
Traditional Ornament: Crown or Star of David
Reading: 2 Samuel 7
“Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever'” (2 Samuel 7:16)
David is perhaps the most important person in the Old Testament. In today’s reading, we find out why. The chapter begins with David’s vision for a permanent house (temple) for the Ark of the Covenant, as opposed to the tent wherein it currently dwells. But, God has much bigger plans. Through the prophet Nathan, God makes his covenant with David, promising that He will make David a great name, a dynasty. He promises that from David’s offspring will come one who will build a temple for the Lord, one who shall be God’s own son, and he will rule over Israel forever.
The emphasis of the covenant is on permanency. In this one chapter, we find the word “forever” eight times. David’s son, Solomon, who succeeds him as king of Israel, does build a temple for God. But, it is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to whom the covenant prophetically refers. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1: 31-33)
© 2017 Catechist’s Aide
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