Israel took possession of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, after the death of Moses. For about 450 years, they were guided by local judges (covered in the books of Judges and Ruth). The last judge, Samuel, anointed the first two kings of Israel: Saul and David.

David was truly “a man after God’s heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), because he sought to understand and do the will of God. As a result, King David became the point of reference of all Israel’s subsequent kings. (2 Kings 18:3)

Notice that the Promise made to David ADDS to the Promise made to Abraham:
Abraham was promised a land, a people and blessing. Territory and people constitute an INHERITANCE.

David was promised a throne and a kingdom. Organisation and rulership provide AUTHORITY.

The promise made to David has a three stage development, similar to the promise to Abraham.

PROMISE  2 Samuel 7
verse 9     David is promised a personal blessing
verse 10   The people of Israel will dwell safely in the land forever
verse 11   David is promised a dynasty

verse 12   David’s descendant will be “set up” and a Kingdom be established
verse 13   A house will be built (temple)
verse 16   The throne and kingdom will be eternal

There are three remarkable aspects to this prophecy:
a) The son would be “set up” after the death of David (verse 12)
b) The eternal throne and kingdom would be established “before thee” (verse 16. This is a Hebraism for “in the presence of”)
c) The child would have two fathers! (verse 12,14) God would be his father as well as David. The Jews could not reconcile this (Matthew 22:41-46)

COVENANT
“He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered …. sure” 2 Samuel 23:5
“my covenant shall stand fast with him” Psalm 89:3, 28

THE OATH  Psalm 132
Remember, the oath is the guarantee that God will accomplish what He has said.
verse 11 “The Lord has sworn in Truth….” – a son, a throne
verse 13  God has decreed a city where He will dwell, for ever
verse 15   God will provide care for the needy
verse 16   There will be a divine priesthood

Psalm 89
verse 26      The son is of God as well as son of David
verse 28,29 The covenant God makes is everlasting
verse 34, 35 Being an oath, this covenant is unalterable
verse 36,37 The son and the throne are eternal

The Kingdom of Israel was organised by David and Jerusalem established as the capital city, about the year 1,000 BC. The Ark of the Covenant, the central piece of furniture of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, was brought to Jerusalem with great ceremony and placed in a “tent” for public worship. (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15, 16).

David planned to build a permanent house of worship, but he was not permitted to do this. The plans had been divinely given (1 Chronicles 28:11,12,19). Instead he collected the materials for its erection under the direction of his son, Solomon.

Areas of Administration

Organised by David for the Kingdom of God.

Organisation of the Priesthood, who administered the Justice, Education, Health and Government of the nation. (1 Chronicles 23, 24)

Organisation of music and choir for Temple worship (1 Chronicles 25)

Organisation of porters and servants of the Temple (1 Chronicles 26)
Ministry of Finance (1 Chronicles 26:21-28)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1 Chronicles 26:29)
Ministry of Internal affairs to report to the King (1 Chronicles 26:30)

The Army – 24 courses or divisions (1 Chronicles 27)
Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Orchards (1 Chronicles 27:25-28)
Ministry of Animal Husbandry (1 Chronicles 27:29-31)
The King’s Counsellors (1 Chronicles 27:33,34)

The New Testament relevance of the Promise to David

• The promise to David of a throne and a kingdom directly focuses on David’s pre-eminent successor – the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32,33; Revelation 22:16). Jesus Christ was thus both son of David and son of God (Romans 1:3,4)
• The promise to David forms part of the apostolic message (Acts 2:30) as an essential feature of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6; 3:21; Matthew 19:28).
• The return of The Lord Jesus Christ as King to rule the world, is predicated upon the promise to David. (2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 5:10)

You can be personally involved!
Ruling with Christ in the Kingdom of God is offered to those who live according to God’s ways, “overcoming” sin in their personal lives. They must first rule self, before they can rule others. (Luke 19:12,17,19; Revelation 2:26; 3:21) “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3) See Rev 3:21

Next lesson: The Kingdom of God Overturned – removed for its failings, the kingdom will be restored when its rightful ruler comes back.