The Davidic covenant - the Leader

The Davidic covenant - the Leader  (1914 debunked)

As correctly stated in the 2012 Calendar of Jehovah's Witnesses (May / June), we read:

"God predicted that the Messianic descendant of Abraham would come from the lineage of King David (2 Samuel 7:12:13, Psalm 89:3.4). In the year 29 CE, Jehovah anointed Jesus with holy spirit, thus making it the king-designate who had the legal right to occupy the throne of David "

The above words are associated with the following prophecy:

Ezekiel 21:25 “And as for you, O deadly wounded, wicked chieftain of Israel, whose day has come in the time of the error of [the] end, 26 this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. This will not be the same. Put on high even what is low, and bring low even the high one. 27 A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no [one’s] until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give [it] to him.’

On the other hand, the teaching about 1914 states that from 607 B.C.E. , when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians, to 1914 C.E. “Jehovah’s throne” became vacant (or the line of kings who descended from David was interrupted) – a vacancy or interruption in the “Jehovah’s throne” lasting a span of time of 2520 years.

Is it really true? After all, we need to make sure all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

To that aim, we need to delve into God's covenant with David, as we read in the Scriptures :

2 Samuel 7: 12 When your days come to the full, and you must lie down with your forefathers, then I shall certainly raise up your seed after you, which will come out of your inward parts; and I shall indeed firmly establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one that will build a house for my name, and I shall certainly establish the throne of his kingdom firmly to time indefinite.

In harmony with these words, Jehovah promised to David, as described by Solomon:

2 Chronicles 6:5 ‘From the day that I brought my people out from the land of Egypt I have not chosen a city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house for my name to prove to be there, and I have not chosen a man to become leader over my people Israel. 6 But I shall choose Jerusalem for my name to prove to be there, and I shall choose David to come to be over my people Israel.’

Note above that Jehovah had two choices:

(1) a city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house for my name to prove to be there

in which Jehovah chose: Jerusalem for my name to prove to be there

(2) a man to become leader over my people Israel

and Jehovah chose: David to come to be over my people Israel.’

Let us examine in detail each one of these choices:

(1) - “a city...for my name to prove to be there”

This choice is so important because the place where Jehovah's name resides, this location represents God's rulership

God's rulerships depends exclusively on His Name:

Deuteronomy 28:10 And all the peoples of the earth will have to see that Jehovah’s name has been called upon you, and they will indeed be afraid of you.

Deuteronomy 14: 23 And before Jehovah your God, in the place that he will choose to have his name reside there, you must eat the tenth part of your grain, your new wine and your oil and the firstborn ones of your herd and of your flock; in order that you may learn to fear Jehovah your God always.

Anything associated with the name of Jehovah will be linked to his Kingdom and Jehovah is King by definition (axiom). Please notice 1 Samuel 12:12 and Judges 8:23.

Corollary (1): God's rulership is represented by the place in which Jehovah makes his name to reside.

And as we saw earlier about the two choices of God, Jehovah said: “I shall choose Jerusalem for my name to prove to be there”

Thus, Jerusalem represented God's rulership before and after 607 BCE. God's rulership (its embassy) suffered no interruption in 607 BCE because Jerusalem and its Temple was rebuilt and Jehovah's name remained there. Corollary (1)

Jesus himself recognized Jerusalem as the embassy of the Kingdom of God: the city of the Great King :

“Jerusalem is the city of the great King.” - Matthew 5:35

Jerusalem was the holy city because the Name of Jehovah was still called upon her (Matthew 4:5, Luke 4:9, Matthew 27:53 )

Even in Jesus' days , Jews could sing:

Psalms 135:21 Blessed out of Zion be Jehovah,

Who is residing in Jerusalem.

Praise Jah, YOU people!

Jerusalem was the embassy of the Kingdom of God (before and after 607 B.C.E lasting in such position until first century C.E.)

Now, let's turn our attention to the second choice made by Jehovah:

As we extract from 2 Chronicles 6:5:

(2) “a man to become leader over my people Israel”

and Jehovah chose 'David to come to be over my people Israel.’

So, realize that God's words to David involves:

(I) a man to become leader over my people Israel – a Leader over Israel – a King or Leader over my people

(II) establish the throne of his kingdom firmly to time indefinite

Thus God's covenant with David involved the leadership of a king over the people Israel or over God's people. The covenant involved the role of a king in the kingdom of God , the position or “job” or assignment in the "throne of Jehovah" – an everlasting kingdom.

Remember the fact that the position for 'the king' being still open (after 607 BCE) does not undermine or infringe a break in the Kingdom of God as represented by its embassy: Jerusalem and its Temple - Corollary (1)

The angel Gabriel pointing to the fulfillment of the covenant made to David told Mary about the child she would generate:

Luke 1:31 and, look! you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you are to call his name Jesus. 32 This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.”

It is appropriate to remind us about the words to Zedekiah (Ezekiel 21:25) :

...and lift off the crown... As for this [crown] also, it will certainly become no [one’s] until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give [it] to him.’

The crown or throne – is a symbol of ultimate authority (royal) for one person.

As we read in the 2012 calendar: In the year 29 CE, Jehovah anointed Jesus with holy spirit, thus making him the king-designate who had the legal right to occupy the throne of David "

Question is : Did Jesus have to wait thousands of years ahead ( 19 centuries to complete  2520 years) to "put the crown on his head" as a King?

To answer this question we need to understand what was the king's jurisdiction and what were king's subjects. Or in other words, what was the Kingdom.

Over whom the king would begin to exert his supreme authority 'on the throne of David'?

The angel Gabriel answers it:

he will rule as king over the house of Jacob – Luke 1:32-33

Answer: over the house of Jacob - Israel of God, heavenly Jerusalem, over 'Jew who is one on the inside' - Romans 2:29, Hebrew 12:22.

Just as king David only exercised his authority or leadership in his jurisdiction, the nation of Israel, and not over whole world, in the same way Jesus came to reign over “Israel” , over “the house of Jacob” - spiritual Israel.

“it will certainly become no [one’s] “– Hence this state of the crown was changed in 29 EC - Jesus was approved by God as king. Indeed, it was Jehovah himself who anointed Jesus as king of His Kingdom 'over my people Israel', and God said to him : “I have approved you”. Jehovah really trust his creatures so that God entrusted Jesus the crown - the leadership over “Israel” - even before Jesus' death! - No wonder the Devil (greatest Goliath) tried all ways to destroy Jesus – The Greatest King David.

Therefore the crown "of the throne of David" (symbol of royal authority or position as a leader over Israel) was given to Jesus.

The crown thus left its previous state of 'it does not belong to anyone'.

Also remember please the words of Ezekiel 21:27: “A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it”

In 607 BCE the David's house (the Leader) was brought to ruin

Would "the house of David" be in ruins during 2520 years?

Please consider Acts 15:14-18:

Symeon has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 ‘After these things I shall return and rebuild the booth of David that is fallen down; and I shall rebuild its ruins and erect it again, 17 in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah, who is doing these things, 18 known from of old.’

“ I shall return and rebuild the booth of David that is fallen down; and I shall rebuild its ruins and erect it again” (Amos 9:11)

The house of David, the Leader, was rebuilt in the first century! That made it possible for people of all nations were called by the name of God. With Jesus as Leader 'over my people Israel' the throne of his kingdom is firmly stablished to time indefinite. (2 Chronicles 6:5)

Therefore the “throne of Jehovah” or “David's throne” was not vacant for 2520 years as stated by the doctrine of 1914
Jehovah gave his throne to Jesus much before 1914! 

Jesus reigns since first century with all authority within of the jurisdiction of his kingdom: celestial Jerusalem and over the embassy here on earth - 'Israel of God', over “people who are called by my name, says Jehovah”

Examine please some texts that shows the authority and execution of the rulership of Jesus within his current jurisdiction: over the house of Jacob

Philippians 2:9

For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position [king - leader] and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground [as we must do before a king], 11 and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord [Lord of lords] to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.

Jesus inherited the kingdom of God - "the throne of David" - the Leader – the King – over 'Israel' or people of God. Jesus is our King - since 29 EC.

Matthew 23:10 Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ [Greatest David]. - there is no “vacancy” any longer – since 29 EC

Hebrews 12:2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent [Principal Leader or King] and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down [has inherited] at the right hand of the throne of God – [the highest universally possible position - There is no a position above God]

1 Peter 3:22 He is at God’s right hand [highest possible position], for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him [because He is King over them, over “Jerusalem of above” ].

The highest position in the 'organizational chart' of the Kingdom of God is to be at the right hand of God – there is no position above it.

Jude 4 “...our only Owner and Lord, Jesus Christ.” [ The Greatest David – King of “Israel” ]

Acts 17:7 and Ja´son has received them with hospitality. And all these [men] act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus.”

For Sure! Jesus is our king long ago: King over “people who are called by my name, says Jehovah” - “king over my people Israel”.

John 1:47,49

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him: “See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit.”

49 Nathanael answered him: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel.”

Jesus is King of Israel of God, over those who are Israelites for a certainty, as described in Romans 2:29:

“But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and [his] circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code. The praise of that one comes, not from men, but from God.”

Ephesians 1:20

with which he has operated in the case of the Christ when he raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places [“Put on high even what is low” – Ezekiel], 21 far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come. 22 He also subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation [over the house of Jacob], 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills up all things in all.

If the old king David was king in Israel, how much more Jesus already is King of “Israel” - far above.

Colossians 1:13 He delivered us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,

Hebrews 1:3 He is the reflection of [his] glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power; and after he had made a purification for our sins he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places. 4 So he has become better than the angels [a king], to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs.

Jesus inherited the kingdom when he was resurrected (firstborn), like manner the sons of the kingdom will inherit the kingdom when they are resurrected during Lord's day.

Heb 1:8 But with reference to the Son: “God is your throne forever and ever, and [the] scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of uprightness. 9 You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with [the] oil of exultation more than your partners.”

Rev 3:21 To the one that conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne, even as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 

Jesus already inherited the throne of Jehovah since first century (He was not awaiting almost 2 thousand years to inherit it )

King Jesus was enthroned when he ascended to heaven - at right hand of God - “God is your throne forever and ever”

Rev 1: 5 and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,” “The firstborn from the dead,” and “The Ruler of the kings of the earth.”

John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. [crown is included – all included – king in the kingdom of heaven ]

Heb 6:20 – 7:

20 where a forerunner has entered in our behalf, Jesus, who has become a high priest according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek forever. 7: 1 For this Mel·chiz´e·dek, king of Sa´lem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him 2 and to whom Abraham apportioned a tenth from all things, is first of all, by translation, “King of Righteousness,” and is then also king of Sa´lem, that is, “King of Peace.”

Jesus is 'king of Salem' or 'King of Righteousness' or 'King of Peace' or King of “heavenly JeruSalem” - Jesus was and is King (before 1914 C.E.)

Let us consider John 18:36:

Jesus answered: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king.

Pay attention in the detail: “AS IT IS” - Jesus said: my kingdom, “as it is” - “my kingdom it is”. Jesus already had a working kingdom (since 29 EC).

It is all about jurisdiction. Jesus respects the domains that are outside his jurisdiction – no part of his kingdom. That is why Jesus's attendants did not fight - as it was, and as it is, Jesus' kingdom is no part of this jurisdiction or source or sphere or competence.

As we also read:

“but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (ASV)

But in the future will be Jesus's kingdom from hence - jurisdiction

The fact is: Jesus already had a kingdom with a current jurisdiction in heavens.

When Jehovah claims his rightful position as Universal Sovereign of the all heavens and on earth, that one who already occupies the highest position of authority within the running Kingdom of God - The King Jesus (Greatest David) - will exercise authority far beyond its previous jurisdiction.

When Jehovah vindicates his right to govern the universe – all heaven and earth – we will have that outcome:

Rev 11:15

And the seventh angel blew his trumpet. And loud voices occurred in heaven, saying: “The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.”

Jehovah will retake his great power as universal sovereign to begin ruling as king - The jurisdiction of the Kingdom will be extended to the ends of the earth and all heavenly places.

All jurisdictions will belong to the already king Jesus - All of them will be part of his kingdom - so Satan will be expelled from heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)

Obviously the nations will become wrathful (Rev 11:18) And at this time, 'the attendants of Jesus will fight.' - because his kingdom will be part of this world. It will be present here.

(Wonder if China's embassy within US stated: US is mine! )

During the Lord's day "Israel" will conquer the world.

Christ will be present here – ie, we will be walking in territory that now belongs to his kingdom, here will be also his jurisdiction.

Let us compare 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 with Hebrews 10:12 and Acts 2:34-36

(I) 1 Corinthians 15:24-26

24 Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. 25 For he must rule as king until [God] has put all enemies under his feet. 26 As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.

(II) Acts 2:34-36

34 Actually David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom YOU impaled.”

(III) Hebrews 10:12-13

12 But this [man] offered one sacrifice for sins perpetually and sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from then on awaiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet.

Consider the sentences (I), (II) and (III) below:

(I) For he must rule as king until [God] has put all enemies under his feet.

Question: Up to when Jesus shall reign? Answer: until [God] has put all enemies under his feet.

So Jesus reigns as long as there are enemies “above his feet”. He must rule as king as long as there are other authorities or other “jurisdictions” (nations, Devil, Death). Therefore Jesus is ruling as king right now, but just only within his current jurisdiction.

God, according to His will, submit all other jurisdiction under the authority of King Jesus (extending his jurisdiction or competence in the Kingdom of God)

Sentence (II)

Sit at my right hand, 35 until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet

The right hand of God is the highest position within the Kingdom. It is the position occupied by the King - Jesus – “God is his throne”.

From (I) and (II), we deduce: “Rule as King , at my right hand until I place your enemies [other authorities] as a stool for your feet”

Now consider sentence (III)

and sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from then on awaiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet.

Jesus awaits Jehovah to enlarge his jurisdiction or sphere of competence in order to exercise authority and power over "this new territory". Jehovah is the one who extends the jurisdiction of the Kingdom according to his will - Acts 1:7

So, The kingdom of God is an operating system, a running system. Such kingdom has ambassadors (anointed Christians) in order to represent it on earth. The citizenship of such ambassadors is in heaven. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Philippians 3:20)

Kingdom's ambassadors represent the King Jesus.

Therefore it is evident that the throne of David ceased to be “vacant” when Jesus came to reign over "the house of Jacob." , over God's people Israel.

The position that Jesus assumes at the right hand of God, as king, is irrevocable.

We can not apply to Jesus, the words of warning that he told his brothers:

Rev 3:11 I am coming quickly. Keep on holding fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

No one can say to Jesus: "‘Remove the turban, and lift off the crown."

Jesus, after being resurrected as an immortal spirit and exalted to the right hand of God (his throne) in heavens, he inherited all the rights of the Davidic Kingdom. Jesus, the greatest David, inherited the Kingdom of God - Jesus passed to rule over "Jerusalem". So David's throne was firmly stablished for time indefinite.

And just as King David in the past passed to undertake the work (provisions) of building God's Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus - the King David Major, has undertaken the construction of the Temple of God in the heavenly Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Jesus reigns using the 'key of David " (Rev 3:7) - opening privileges related to Kingdom or vetoing them.

The vindication of the sovereignty of Jehovah as the Universal Ruler is naturally related to the "sons of the kingdom" or heirs of the kingdom or God's Temple.

According to Revelation 12:1,5 a woman who represents the set of celestial beings who submit to the will of Jehovah. They dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem (current jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Heaven), this woman gives birth to 'a child'.

This 'one child' represents the set of heirs (children) of the kingdom , beginning with Jesus, who are resurrected to heavenly life with authority and thus inherit the kingdom as kings of this realm. Jesus was the first of them: Jesus inherited the kingdom after he ascended to heaven. The other "children" will inherit during the day of the Lord, when they are also resurrected as kings.

Once the Greater David (Jesus) has completed the construction of the Temple of God in “Jerusalem”, at this point, Jehovah have all material proof (undisputed) of the legitimacy of His Universal Sovereignty - God's rulership thru King Jesus will be everywhere,

So we have seen through the analysis of the Davidic covenant that:

1) Jerusalem remained as Embassy of the Kingdom of God, even after 607 BCE, showing that the symbol of the Kingdom of God suffered NO interruption during 2520 years

2)The throne of David - representing the highest authority or king in the Kingdom of God - was not vacant for 2520 years because Jesus, Greater David, took over his kingdom over the 'Israel of God' or over the 'house of Jacob' - That still in the first century.

Therefore , the 1914 doctrine has no basis in the Scriptures