LESSON EIGHTEEN
The Covenant with David
Rather than acknowledge David as the next king, Saul grows murderously jealous. David runs for his life in a long stretch of wilderness years. Yet the Lord repeatedly delivers him from Saul’s hand. While Saul plunges headlong into moral and spiritual decline, David gains the trust of Israel. After Saul’s death, David becomes king. His life establishes a pattern that the greater Davidic King (and all who follow him) will one day fulfill: suffering first, then glory.
David soon brings the ark—the symbol of God’s kingly presence—to Jerusalem. This makes a statement: David is not Israel’s ultimate king—God is. David is to be like a new Adam, an ideal Israel, a son of God who rules with justice and peace.
Israel anticipates not only an endless succession of Davidic kings but ultimately one eternal king—the king who will reverse the curse and fulfill all of God’s promises.
In the following story God promises that David’s dynasty will never end; his throne will endure forever. Over time Israel anticipates not only an endless succession of Davidic kings but ultimately one eternal king—the king who will reverse the curse and fulfill all of God’s promises. He will unleash the Abrahamic promises of blessing for all nations.
From this point onward the hope of the world is tied to this promise. The Davidic covenant towers as a high point in the Bible’s storyline.