The title “Son of David” is frequently used when referring to Jesus, and it’s a title rich with meaning and historical significance. This designation appears right at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew, which opens by calling Jesus “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1). This isn’t just a genealogical note; it directly connects Jesus to a pivotal promise God made to King David. Understanding why Jesus is called the Son of David requires us to delve into this ancient promise and its implications.
The Davidic Covenant and Prophecy
The foundation for understanding Jesus as the Son of David lies in the covenant God established with King David, recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12–16. In this passage, God promises David that his throne and kingdom will be established forever through his descendants. Specifically, God says, “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” (2 Samuel 7:12). This promise was not just for a temporary earthly reign but for an everlasting one, signifying a king who would rule eternally.
This promise resonated throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The prophets often spoke of a future king who would come from David’s line, restoring Israel and bringing an era of peace and righteousness. Isaiah 11:10 refers to the Messiah as “the Root of Jesse,” Jesse being David’s father, highlighting the Davidic lineage (see also Rev. 5:5; 22:16). Similarly, Jeremiah and Zechariah use the term “Branch” to describe the Messiah (Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12), again alluding to a Davidic king sprouting from the stump of Jesse’s family tree. These prophecies created an expectation among the Jewish people for a Messiah who would be a descendant of David.
Jesus Accepts the Title and Its Implications
Jesus himself did not reject the title “Son of David.” In several instances in the Gospels, people address him as such, and he doesn’t correct them (Matt. 9:27; 12:23; 21:15–16). Furthermore, both Matthew and Luke’s Gospels meticulously trace Jesus’ genealogy back to David (Matt. 1:1, 6, 17; Luke 3:31), emphasizing his legal and ancestral right to this title. The Gospel of Luke, particularly in chapter 1, spells out the implications of Jesus being the Son of David through the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary (Luke 1:32–33). This passage reveals several key aspects:
Dual Nature of Christ
Referring to Jesus as the Son of David highlights the dual nature of Christ – both fully human and fully divine. His lineage back to David underscores his humanity, his earthly origin and connection to the promises made to Israel.
Messiah and Heir to David’s Throne
The title clearly indicates that Jesus is the promised Messiah of Israel, the one who would inherit the throne of his ancestor David. It signifies his role as the rightful king who would fulfill the Davidic Covenant.
Eternal Kingdom
It also points to the eternal nature of Jesus’ kingdom. Gabriel’s words, “and of his kingdom there will be no end,” echo the promise in 2 Samuel 7:16, emphasizing that Jesus’ reign is not merely earthly but everlasting.
Mission to Israel and Inclusion of Gentiles
As the Son of David and Messiah of Israel, Jesus’ ministry was initially directed towards the Jewish people. His statement to the Canaanite woman, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel,” (Matt. 15:24) reflects this priority. However, this initial focus did not exclude Gentiles from God’s plan. The ultimate inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom was always part of the broader scope of the Davidic promises, as understood in the early church (Acts 15:12–18). Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman, ultimately granting her request, demonstrates that his mission, while starting with Israel, was destined to extend to all nations.
Jesus, Greater Than David
While Jesus is rightly called the Son of David due to his human lineage and fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, it is crucial to remember that he is also divine and therefore greater than David. In a significant exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus posed a question about Psalm 110:1, where David refers to the Messiah as “Lord” (Matt. 22:41–46). Jesus asks how David’s son can also be David’s Lord. This highlights the divine nature of the Messiah. As the Son of David, Jesus is indeed David’s descendant, but as the Son of God, he is also David’s Lord.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus is called the Son of David because he is the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise to establish an eternal kingdom through David’s lineage. This title affirms his humanity, his role as the Messiah of Israel, and his right to an everlasting kingdom. More than just a descendant, Jesus, as the Son of David, is our Savior, King, and Lord, reigning eternally as prophesied.
