2 Samuel 23:1-7

( Matthew 1:1 )

The son of Jesse, and the Son of David.

The relation of David to Jesus, regarded in the light of prophecy and history, was one of:

1 . Hereditary connection; inasmuch as he not only belonged to the tribe of Judah ( Genesis 49:10 ; Hebrews 7:14 ; Revelation 5:5 ) and the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite ( Isaiah 11:1 ), but was ancestor of Jesus ( Matthew 1:16 ; Luke 3:23 ); who was thus legal heir to "the throne of his father David," and was born in "the city of David" ( Micah 5:2 ; Matthew 2:6 ).

2 . Typical representation, in his office as theocratic king, divinely chosen, "the Lord's anointed" (messiah, christ), the representative of God and of the people; his devotion to the purpose of his calling, fulfilling the will of God, contending against his enemies, and ruling his people righteously; his exaltation, through suffering ( 1 Peter 1:11 ), by the mighty hand of God, to power, honour, and dominion; his influence in securing national deliverance, religious benefits, temporal order, prosperity, and happiness; whereby he foreshadowed an incomparably greater Ruler of a kingdom "not of this world," who saves his people from their sins, reconciles them to God, and gives them eternal life.

3 . Historical resemblance (closely associated with the former, but without, so far as is revealed, being expressly designed by God), in his lowly birth, youthful consecration ( 1 Samuel 16:12 ; Luke 2:49 ), and humble occupation; his decisive conflict ( 1 Samuel 17:50 ; Matthew 4:11 ), public services, and bitter persecutions; his attracting around him a band of faithful followers ( 1 Samuel 22:1 ; Matthew 10:1 ), increasing fame, and popular recognition ( 2 Samuel 2:4 ; John 6:15 ; Matthew 21:9 ); his great achievements, spiritual utterances, and beneficent influence ( 2 Samuel 6:1-23 ; 2 Samuel 8:1-18 .); his rejection ( 2 Samuel 15:13 ), betrayal, and overwhelming sorrows ( 2 Samuel 15:30 ); his final victory ( 2 Samuel 18:1-33 .; John 12:31 , John 12:32 ), glorious restoration, and diligent preparation for an enduring reign of peace.

4 . Extraordinary contrast. Even wherein the first prefigured the second David ( Ezekiel 34:23 ), the imperfection of the former stands opposed to the perfection of the latter. And Jesus is "the Son of God" ( Luke 1:35 ) in the highest sense, David's Lord ( Mark 12:37 ); was without sin and always well pleasing to the Father; came to establish, not an earthly kingdom (as the Jews expected), but a spiritual one, and only by moral means (truth, righteousness, and love); died as a sacrifice for sin, rose again, and ascended into the heavens" ( Acts 2:34 ); "who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen" ( Romans 9:5 ).—D.