BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

During the dark days of Judges, the rise of King David gives a glimmer of hope. In today’s reading, David’s actions demonstrate that a good king really can bring life, blessing, and peace to his people.

First on David’s agenda is conquering Jerusalem, establishing it as Israel’s capital city, and renaming it Zion. From there, David wins many battles, bringing down enemy armies and chariots the same way he brought down lions and Goliath: through radical trust in Yahweh.

David also makes Jerusalem the religious capital of Israel by having the ark of the covenant moved into the city. David asks Yahweh if he can move the ark from the tabernacle to a permanent “house”—a temple where God’s presence can dwell. God gently declines. Instead, God will be the one to build David a lasting “house,” that is, a royal dynasty.

This moment has ripple effects through the remainder of the biblical story. Yahweh promises David that a future king will come from his royal bloodline, one who will build God’s temple on Earth and set up an eternal kingdom.

God’s promise to David is further developed in the Psalms and Prophets. There, the biblical authors connect this future king to God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s family. After countless discouraging detours, God’s rescue plan for humanity finally seems to be back on track!

Reflection Questions

• Israel’s kings were supposed to act as shepherds for the people. Read through Psalm 23 with this job description in mind. What might you expect from Israel’s kings if they followed Yahweh’s example in shepherding their people?
• Look back at Exodus 25:12-14. How were the Israelites supposed to move the ark of the covenant? How do they try to move it in today’s reading? How does this help you understand Uzzah’s tragic death?