The Vision (2.19.15): David and Christ in 2 Samuel 8

Note:  As we have worked our way through 2 Samuel on Lord’s Day mornings at CRBC, we have continued to look for anticipations of Christ in the life of David.  Here are some parallels I drew at the close of last Sunday’s sermon on the parallels between David and Christ in 2 Samuel 8.

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people (2 Samuel 8:15).

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).

David subdues Israel’s enemies (vv. 1-6); Christ subdues our enemies.

David might have wiped out all the Moabites, but he chose to save some (v. 2); Christ might have cleared the threshing floor of us all with his winnowing fork in this hand, but he chooses to save some [and he lays down his own life, in the place of those who would have faced spiritual death].

David dedicated the tribute “of all nations which he subdued” (v. 11); Jesus said, “My house shall be called of [or ‘for’] all nations a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17).  He commissioned his disciples to go to all nations (Matt 28:19-20).  He makes men and women from all nations to bring spiritual gold and silver to lay it down at his feet as a sacrifice or praise.

David appointed various men—including his own sons— to positions of leadership in his kingdom (vv. 15-18); Christ has ascended on high, having led captivity captive, and has given gifts to men (Eph 4:8).  He gave apostles, prophets, and evangelists to the early church.  In these ordinary days he has given elders and deacons, men to help in defending the truth, administering the church, preserving the Scriptures.  What is more, God has made all who are in Jesus to be his sons, join heirs with Christ.  We are a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.  We all hold the office of believer.

David ruled over a kingdom on earth with a measure of judgment and justice (v. 15); Christ rules as King of Kings and Lord or Lords and of his kingdom there is no end, and he shall reign for ever and ever (Rev 11:15).

Moreover, he is a perfectly righteous king.  Where David failed, Christ prevailed!

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle