Jesus, the Christ: Shepherd, Jesus the True: Typified: David
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Typology of David as a Prefiguration of Christ

In the tapestry of biblical typology, King David stands as a significant figure prefiguring Jesus Christ, the True Shepherd. David, the shepherd boy who became the king of Israel, embodies characteristics and events that foreshadow the life and ministry of Jesus, the Messiah.

David as Shepherd

David's early life as a shepherd is a foundational aspect of his typology. In 1 Samuel 16:11, David is introduced as the youngest son of Jesse, tending sheep in the fields. This humble beginning is mirrored in Jesus, who is often depicted as the Good Shepherd. Jesus declares in John 10:11 , "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Just as David protected his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-35), Jesus protects and sacrifices Himself for His flock, the believers.

Anointed King

David's anointing by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) signifies God's choice and empowerment, setting him apart for a divine purpose. Similarly, Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), marking the commencement of His public ministry. Both figures are chosen by God to lead and deliver His people, with David as the king of Israel and Jesus as the King of Kings.

David's Heart for God

David is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This deep devotion and alignment with God's will prefigure Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father. In John 5:30 , Jesus states, "I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." Both David and Jesus exemplify a life dedicated to fulfilling God's purposes.

David's Reign and Jesus' Kingdom

David's reign over Israel is marked by the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center, symbolizing the unification and prosperity of God's people. This earthly kingdom points to the greater, eternal kingdom of Christ. Jesus proclaims in Matthew 4:17 , "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." His kingdom is not of this world but is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

David's Suffering and Jesus' Passion

David's life is not without suffering and persecution, notably from King Saul and later during Absalom's rebellion. These trials prefigure the sufferings of Christ, who endured rejection, betrayal, and crucifixion. In Psalm 22, a psalm attributed to David, the sufferings described resonate with the passion of Christ, as seen in the Gospel accounts. Jesus' cry from the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46), echoes the opening of Psalm 22, highlighting the prophetic nature of David's experiences.

David's Covenant and Jesus' Fulfillment

God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary in Luke 1:32-33 , "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end." Jesus, as the descendant of David, establishes the eternal kingdom promised in the Davidic Covenant.

In summary, the typology of David as a precursor to Jesus Christ is rich and multifaceted, encompassing aspects of shepherding, kingship, devotion, suffering, and covenantal promise. Through these parallels, the Scriptures reveal the profound continuity of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus, the True Shepherd and King.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Samuel 16:11
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come here.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... they did, and thus give a true and comprehensive ... During his shepherd life he entered
into conflict ... Testament who prefigure the Lord Jesus Christ, the striking ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Hermas, Shepherd of, 100, 517. ... Sirach, Jesus son of. ... Theocracy, its establishment
under Moses, 232; Christ its end, 118; and typified by it, 146; alleged ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Symbolic Ornaments of the Church
... common was the figure of the Good Shepherd, a picture ... of monogram for our Lord's
full name, Jesus Christ, is made by ... of the words of the Lord Jesus would make ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolic ornaments of the church.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... 121]606; under the one chief Shepherd, [122]606 ... the Church militant, [969]500; the
true heavenly Sion ... Word of God, Christ Jesus, [1041]502; godhead and manhood ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... as sheep under the rod of the shepherd""and I ... Of the existence of the Everlasting
Covenant, Jesus was a ... Under the former, Christ and his work were typified ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... of Christ's disciples, [759]101; vainglory of, [760]102; slow to believe in Jesus
Christ, [761]104. ... Firmness marks Christ as the good Shepherd, [943]217. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Subject Index
... the thirty, not typified by the baptism of Jesus in ... he speaks of his bonds, of the
true doctrine concerning ... Christ Jesus, [355]170, [356]177, [357]190, [358]219 ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... as the fire in the sacrifice typified the swallowing ... And as this true sacrifice was
piously set forth in ... thanks for being justified by faith in Jesus Christ? ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... He has the true blood-royal running in his veins ... of a mean family, I who held the
shepherd's staff, that ... Jesus Christ, the best of preachers, was to some a rock ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

V. ...
... is with us as respects the Lord Jesus Christ; we are ... state as those, but have now,
through Christ, been converted ... sake, that He might be our Shepherd and Bishop ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

Resources
Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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