RESTORATION  OF  THE  DAVIDIC  KINGDOM

 

Of all the kings that ruled ancient Israel David was the greatest and most loved, not only by God but also by his subjects as well.  God chose David to be the king because he was "a man after His own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14).  Before assuming the throne David consulted the LORD (2 Sam. 2:1).  When he was a young shepherd boy he had already become a national hero by killing the giant Goliath "in the name of the LORD of hosts" (1 Sam. 17:45; 18:5-7).  He showed himself to be righteous and merciful by sparing Saul's life twice. 

 

After the death of Saul, David was anointed king over Judah and reigned over his own tribe for seven and one-half years during which time there was a civil war between Judah and Israel.  By his conquest over the house of Saul he was anointed king over Israel thus unifying the two kingdoms.  The most important event of his early reign was the capture of Jebusite Jerusalem and making this the capital over the whole kingdom.  It became known as the "City of David".  With a united Israel David went on to conquer neighboring states and built a very strong empire.  David's brilliant military prowess combined with his skilful diplomacy and administrative achievements made his kingdom truly outstanding and one to be emulated.  Being a wise administrator he took advantage of the Mosaic provision of six refuge cities for the purpose of consolidating the kingdom and contributing to its peace.  His most important single act was the restoration of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem when "David danced before the LORD with all his might . . . with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." (2 Sam. 6:14-15) The Davidic Kingdom is characterized by love, joy, peace, mercy and righteousness. 

God made a covenant with David.  In this covenant God promised him: 

 

"I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish His Kingdom.  He shall build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever. . . . And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.  Your throne shall be established forever." (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 16)   

 

This covenant could not have referred to Solomon because his kingdom would be torn apart (1 Kn. 11:9-13)  It can only refer to the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, Who is of the seed of David.  Isaiah prophesied,

 

"For unto us a Child is born,  Unto us a Son is given;  And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,  Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isa. 9:6-7) 

 

The Davidic Kingdom would be restored through the Messianic King Who was to be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14)  God gave a message to Mary through and angel who said to her:

 

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His Name JESUS (YAHSHUA in Hebrew).  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Lk. 1:31-33) 

 

Daniel prophesied: "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming in the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.  Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,  And his Kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed." (Dan. 7:13-14)  The Kingdom of God that was to be established by the Messianic King is an international and everlasting Kingdom.