In the first part of 1 Samuel, the Israelites wanted a king to rule over them. The man who was chosen, Saul, quickly disqualified himself and it became evident the throne needed a successor. Throughout all of this, God was not surprised or caught off guard. God had a plan which He had revealed hundreds of years before. In Genesis 49:10 we learn, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet …” David, a young shepherd boy who traced his lineage to Judah, would become that foretold king. God’s provision for a king was one of character, a man willing to follow the Lord. David was such a man — a man after God’s own heart.
Another Man of the tribe of Judah, the son of David, would be born “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4) and would also be a King. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus. Promises concerning Jesus were made even prior to those concerning David. They were made to Abraham directly by God in Genesis 12:1–3 and later revealed through Paul in Galatians 3:16.
David and Jesus had some similarities. David was a man after God’s own heart; Jesus was a Man whose will was to do His Father’s will. David was a shepherd; Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). David was anointed a king; Jesus was and is the rightful Heir to the throne of Israel and is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. David was promised that his throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16); Jesus was the fulfillment, God’s provision of this promise. Just as David was Israel’s victorious champion, one man representing all the people against Goliath, so Jesus is our victorious Champion who saved us from sin and death.Jesus is God’s ultimate provision. He is the perfect King, perfect Shepherd, and Champion. Jesus did what David could not do — He gave up His life so that we can be at peace with God and our sins can be forgiven (Romans 5:1, 8). Take time today to praise God for His provision of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who is also our King and Good Shepherd who gave His life that we might have life.
Written by: Gary Webb, Adult Ministries Pastor
Based on: 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Passion Week Devotional 2025: Day One