The people of Israel were waiting, and what they were waiting for was a someone to sit on the throne of David. God had promised an eternal throne to David and his descendants, while making clear that he would punish individual kings who did not serve him and walk in justice. This punishment was not just hypothetical. Once Babylon destroyed Jerusalem – a city unwilling to hear the prophets and follow God’s voice – it was not long before there was no one sitting on that throne.
What would God do? Would he be faithful?
Yes!
This throne represents many things. First, it is a statement of God’s authority over his people. Unlike the nations and kings that surrounded Israel, the Davidic king was no “sovereign”, capable of doing whatever he liked. He was intended more as a regent, representing God’s role as the true king, and operating within the framework of God’s law, God’s commands.
The Davidic throne is also a reminder of God’s promises, of his steadfast love in the face of our sin. David was no perfect saint. He was a deeply flawed human being, just like you and I. But he proved by his action that he was malleable, responsive to God’s voice, responsive to God’s correction through the words of the prophets.
And the Davidic king that experienced God’s blessing was a source of joy for the whole nation:
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.
Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.Psalm 45:1-7Psalm 45:1-7
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
For a Royal Wedding 45 1 My thoughts are filled with beautiful words for the king, and I will use my voice as a writer would use pen and ink. 2 No one is as handsome as you! Your words are always kind. That is why God will always bless you. 3 Mighty king, glorious ruler, strap on your sword 4 and ride out in splendor! Win victories for truth and mercy and justice. Do fearsome things with your powerful arm. 5 Send your sharp arrows through enemy hearts and make all nations fall at your feet. 6 . You are God, and you will rule forever as king. a You ... king: Or “God has made you king, and you will rule forever.” Your royal power brings about justice. 7 You love justice and hate evil. And so, your God chose you and made you happier than any of your friends.
WP-Bible plugin (NIV) [bold mine]
In Hebrews 1, the author quotes verses 6-7 and identifies them as coming from God, and referring to Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate king from David’s line. His throne is eternal. It will not be taken from him. In Jesus, God’s throne is firmly established. No more fear of a king who fails to live by God’s command, outside of God’s will. Jesus is a perfect reflection of the will of God. No more fear of the nation under the thumb of some foreign power.
In this season we are reminded that the coming of the long expected king was missed by all but a few shepherds and astrologers. Rather than entering the world in splendor and majesty, he entered in the rough and tumble confines of a stable. He didn’t enter the world with a silver spoon in his mouth. He gave up honor and glory, above that experienced by any ruler ever. In heaven, he had experienced the glory-song of the cherubim. On earth, he heard the cries of sheep.
God was faithful, keeping his word to David by restoring the throne. In fact, God’s promise to David already recognized that Jesus would come to restore the nation. God was not just promising something that he had to make sure to keep up with in the future. He promised, knowing he intended to offer Jesus as his “anointed one” – the Messiah (in Hebrew) or the Christ (in Greek) – the king. We too can take God’s promises to heart. What he has said, he will do. He will be with us as we serve him and share his message before all people. His Spirit will live inside those who call on his name, creating a new heart within that is more and more responsive to his voice.
What comes to mind when you think of Jesus as king? Is this an image that brings you comfort, or fear?
In what way(s) will you worship Jesus today?
“You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever…”
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