When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

2 Samuel 7:12-13 ESV

When considering the life of David, he appears to be the Bible’s best candidate yet for the Serpent-Crusher.

He comes from the lineage of Abraham, and he became a king from the line of Judah. His resume of actions after becoming anointed look pretty favorable as well. While still a youth, David became Israel’s champion by slaying the giant, Goliath, in combat. And though anointed king, David still served Saul gladly and faithfully, even though Saul repeatedly tried to kill him.

In 2 Samuel 7, David proclaims that he longs to build God a house, a temple for the Ark because the Ark of God’s presence was kept in a tent since the days of Moses.

It seemed like a great idea, but God counters David’s offer.

The LORD states that instead of David building Him a house, He would build a house for David. The beacon of David’s house would be his offspring that God would give an eternal throne and a kingdom that lasts forever.

God’s words to David have a distinctly dual application. First, Solomon is the immediate fulfillment, as he did construct the temple. However, Solomon did not fulfill this completely or else he would still be reigning as king today.

Instead, God gave to David the glorious promise that the Messiah was going to be his offspring, coming from his lineage, and would rule as king for all eternity.

If you truly believe that Jesus is the reigning Messiah, the offspring of David, do you submit your entire life to Him and His commands? Is there any area or aspect of your life that you do not fully give over to your King? If so, why not?