The Davidic King (Solemnity of Christ the King)

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In 1-2 Samuel, we see the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. Before this monarchy, Israel was ruled by a series of judges, the last of whom was Samuel. The people of Israel demanded a king so that they could be like all the other nations, although God warned them that this would be to their detriment (1 Samuel 7).

Even though this wasn’t God’s desire for them, He nevertheless orchestrated it for their ultimate good. After the disastrous reign of king Saul, God has David ascend to the throne of Israel, who was chosen because he was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). In today’s reading, we see all the tribes of Israel pledging their loyalty to David. As king, he would not only act as their ruler, but also as father figure and shepherd to his people, as he takes care of them and serves as the example for them to follow.

God then makes an incredible promise to David: That his dynasty would reign over Israel forever. This promise was totally unconditional, and even if David’s descendants proved to be unfaithful, God would not renege on His promise. Scripture states:

I will establish his line for ever

and his throne as the days of the heavens.

If his children forsake my law

and do not walk according to my ordinances,

if they violate my statutes

and do not keep my commandments,

then I will punish their transgression with the rod

and their iniquity with scourges;

but I will not remove from him my merciful love,

or be false to my faithfulness.

I will not violate my covenant,

or alter the word that went forth from my lips.

Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;

I will not lie to David.

His line shall endure for ever,

his throne as long as the sun before me.

Like the moon it shall be established for ever;

it shall stand firm while the skies endure. (Psalm 89:29–37)

The ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to David comes in Christ, who reigns on the throne of David in perpetuity. His Kingdom extends not only over Israel, but the whole world (Revelation 11:15). We commemorate this in the feast of Christ the King, as we confess Christ’s kingship over the world, and seek to make that manifest over all areas of our lives.

J. Luis Dizon