To Us a Son Is GivenSample

Son of David

The name of a king from Israel’s past shows up throughout the Christmas story. David is that king, and in today’s passage, we see why being a son from David’s family tree is so significant.

Long before Christ’s birth, God made a covenant with David. He promised to raise up one of David’s sons and to give this Son a Kingdom that would last forever. David was also told that one of his sons would build a house for the Lord, and that’s exactly what his son Solomon did (1 Kings 6). The temple was built under Solomon’s rule, and Israel became more prosperous than it had ever been. However, the sins of Solomon and his sons eventually led God’s people into idolatry, and the kingdom split. Another king from David’s line would be needed to ensure an eternal dynasty marked by righteousness.

In case you haven’t already guessed who ultimately fulfilled God’s Promise to David, the answer comes in the opening words of the New Testament: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David . . . ” (Matthew 1:1). Jesus is the Promised Son of David, the One whose Kingdom will last forever because He has overcome death by His own Death and Resurrection. The One who was born in Bethlehem is even now reigning at God’s Right Hand, for He is the “ruler of kings on earth” (Revelation 1:5).

Simple Summary

The Lord promised King David that one of his sons would build the Lord a house, or temple. The Lord also promised that one of David’s sons would reign as King forever. While Solomon built the Lord a temple, his sin ultimately ruined his reign as king. Only Jesus, the sinless King from David’s family tree, the One who conquered death by rising from the dead, could reign over God’s people forever.

Pray

Thank Jesus that He rules over us with justice and with mercy.