A Bible Study on the Life of David

First Session, November 13, A.D. 2011

Introduction Luke 24:27, 32, 44-47
Jesus specifically included the Psalms as He proclaimed that all Scripture testifies of Him. 73 of the 150 Psalms were written under the Holy Spirit's inspiration by David, "the sweet Psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam. 23:1). This segues to:

Applying the Christo-centric precept of Luke 24 more specifically to David: Acts 2:25-31 (citing Psalm 16), Revelation 22:16, Rom. 1:3, 2 Tim. 2:8

So we see that the Lord Jesus Himself, as well as the apostles Peter, John, and Paul testified to the Christ-centered importance of David for understanding the whole counsel of God in Scripture.

Moreover, David himself testified that God spoke by him, 2 Sam. 23:1,2.

TAKE HOME:
"David is important because our need for sound
knowledge of Christ Jesus makes him so"

Three General Themes of this Study

I. Focus on Christ: A biographical STRUCTURE is planned for this study, but our attention will be on the underlying meaty SUBSTANCE — the Person and Work of the Son of David, about Whom all Scripture is written

II. David's covenantal position in the Bible's unfolding plan of salvation: 2 Ch. 13:5, 21:7; Psalm 89 (note, NOT written by David); Isaiah 55:3; Jeremiah 33:20,21

III. Using the Davidic Psalms: Historically placing and, God willing, learning to sing at least SOME of them as part of applying their precepts and power to our own lives as we relate to David's diverse circumstances when he wrote them under the Spirit's inspiration.

Example: a Davidic Psalm familiar to many, namely Psalm 51. Also Psalms 3, 18 (cf. 2 Sam. 22), 30, et. al.

Note: In some cases we are not certain of some or all of David's circumstances when writing a particular Psalm. For instance in Psalm 7 David wrote "concerning Cush, a Benjamite." Was that a name by which David alluded to Saul, who was of tribe of Benjamin? Was Cush a close relative of Saul? Was he an enemy of David who happened to be of the same tribe as Saul?

Where do we start?

Genesis of course! In chapter 49, we find Jacob's prophecies about his sons, the patriarchal founders of the tribes of Israel including Judah, David's and Christ's tribe, vss. 8-12.

What is a scepter?

Cf. Numbers 24:17. King Jesus is the ultimate scepter bearer and Star Who arose out of Israel. The Magi from the East who visited the Child Christ with gifts were likely familiar with this prophecy.

He is the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," Rev. 5:5

Ruth 1:1, 2; 4:10 (Ruth was Mahlon's widow),12; 4:18ff. Obed reckoned as Mahlon's son, biologically Boaz's son. David is Ruth's great-grandson.

Compare:
1. Naomi's hopeless situation. Obed is born by extraordinary providences and becomes the grandfather of Israel's great king David.

2. The hopeless situation of sinners. Jesus is born miraculously and becomes the savior and everlasting king of spiritual Israel, all the people of God.

Some Intended Future Lessons

Homework Assignment

Without looking at your Bible, name 7 people with whom David had some kind of relationship, family or otherwise.

TAKE HOME:
"David is important because our need for sound
knowledge of Christ Jesus makes him so"


Go to Second Session - Bible Study on the Life of David

Go to 2 Timothy 2:15 Dept.

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