The Death of David

Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ.

The Lord declared: “‘I have sworn unto David My servant . . . with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him. . . . My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted. . . . Also I will make him My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him forevermore, and My covenant shall stand fast with him.’ Psalm 89:3-28. “‘His seed also will I make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven.’ Psalm 89:29. . . . “‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ ‘He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.’ Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:32, 33.”1 “David’s reign is distinguished by an unbroken chain of military victories. He defeated the Philistines repeatedly (2 Sam. 5:17–25; 21:15–22; 23:13–17) and was able to free Israel completely from their influence. . . . He also subjugated the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites (2 Sam. 8:2, 14; 10:6 to 11:1; 12:26–31; 1 Chron. 18:2, 11–13; 19:1 to 20:3), and made the Aramaeans of Damascus and Zobah tributary (2 Sam. 8:3–13; 1 Chron. 18:5–10).” Through all the turmoil, David prevailed with the Lord’s help.

Then he slept with his fathers (1 Kings 2:10).

“Death shows no partiality. . . . Worldly distinctions are only for a moment, and the glories of kings disappear wherever death holds sway.”