Prophet David, King of Israel
Acrylic on Glass
8" x 5.25"

This glass icon is based on a 15th century Novgorod icon.

The holy and righteous King David was the second king of all Israel, a prophet, writer of great number of the Psalms, and one of the Forefathers of Christ. He built a new capital, Jerusalem (“the City of Peace”), and a new tabernacle. He was distinguished by his deep faith, and he zealously fulfilled the will of God.

King David prefigures our Lord Jesus Christ in numerous ways. He was the Lord's Anointed One, or Messiah, a now title applied almost exclusively to Christ.

Also, David was a shepherd before he was called to be king; likewise, Christ used herding imagery often in his earthly ministry, as in the Parables of the Good Shepherd, of the Lost Sheep, and of the separation of the sheep and the goats at the Last Judgment.

When David was fleeing from Saul, he was an illustration of the Suffering Servant, most famously described in Isaiah 53; afterwards, though, he became the victorious king, gaining control over all Israel and defeating its enemies with ease. David’s story is mirrored by Christ's persecution by the Jews and Crucifixion, followed by his glorious Resurrection and his eventual Second Coming.

David's humble origins and the fact that he was the least imposing son of Jesse when Samuel anointed him also parallel Christ's humble earthly status. Furthermore, David consistently relied on the Lord and thus served as a model king. The Scripture accounts regarding David go out of their way to show his sense of fairness and justice. For example, David rewards all of his men equally, even those too exhausted to continue the chase, after his great victory over the Amakelites (1 Sam 30:23). This episode may be seen as reminiscent of Christ's Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20). He refused to ever touch his adversary King Saul, was furious about the rape of Tamar, and lamented the death of his rebellious son Absalom, whom he had ordered that no one injure, etc. (1)

Kontakion 10:
The spirit of the prophecy came upon David the king, the anointed of the Most High, and he gave utterance concerning his kingship, saying: "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. The God of Israel hath said: 'He who ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.' Although my house is not so with God, yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire." And with sweet hymnody he chanted unto the Almighty: Alleluia!