14: Davidic Covenant

Question 1

What was Israel’s cycle during the time of the Judges?

Answer 1

• They fell into apostasy
• The Lord sent judgement upon them
• They cried out to the Lord
• The Lord sent them a judge to liberate them

Question 2

Considering earlier texts (Deut. 17:14-20), what were the characteristics of a godly king?

Answer 2

1. Chosen by God
2. Not greedy
3. Israelite
4. Trust and fear the Lord
5. Under the authority of the law

Question 3

Was Israel’s request for a king a bad request?

Answer 3

Not the request, but the motivation was wrong.

• “to be like the other nations”
• “to fight their battles for them” (God had been fighting for them up to this point)
• It was not based on Deut 17:14-20
• They wanted a king, instead of God.

Question 4

What is the narrative of the Davidic covenant?

Answer 4

David wants to build God a temple, but God says to him that he will make him a dynasty.

Wordplay on the word “bayit” (house, temple, household, dynasty)

Question 5

What are continuities of the Abrahamic covenant?

Answer 5

1. A great name
2. The giving of a land
3. Offspring

Question 6

What is new in the Davidic Covenant?

Answer 6

1. God making David a dynasty
2. Establishing of a “forever” kingdom
3. The king as a mediator

Question 7

What were some titles for the king?

Answer 7

1. Anointed - massiach (hebrew) and christos (greek)
2. Son - of God

Question 8

What were the king’s role?

Answer 8

1. The king represents the rule of YHWH
2. The king models what is means to be a real Israelite
3. The king is a mediator of the covenant blessings