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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The Key of David is a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David's domain, i.e., Jerusalem, the Ci...
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Kenneth Heck
Supporter
David was anointed as a king to replace Saul, was given a prophetic gift, as found in the Psalms, and was given the Davidic Covenant, guaranteeing there would always be a man to sit on his throne (fulfilled in Christ). As king, David extensively modified the worship protocol in Israel. He also had power to choose the High Priest among qualified candidates, and generally determine who could worship in Jerusalem. The key of David was this power to control the religious activities of individual Israelites, besides his secular powers as a traditional king. His covenant was more authoritative than the covenant of salt given to Aaron (Num 18:19). For Christians the power to open and shut the door (the door is Christ, John 10:9) refers to the ability to open and restrain the blessings of Christianity, such as baptism of the Holy Spirit, anointings, etc. The Key of David is to be exercised by those of Philadelphia, so to speak, from heaven, for the kingdom of God in both earth and in heaven, (as are all the other rewards promised by Christ for Christians who overcome). After Christ's second coming, the Key of David will be exercised only through Jerusalem, the capitol of the Kingdom of God. Later, after the Great White Throne judgment, the Sons of God will possess the Key of David and full spiritual authority, in addition to full temporal authority as priest-kings, at the New Jerusalem. The power to "bind and loosen" (Matt 16.19) given to the apostles is quite different since it refers to the ability to change on earth the requirements in heaven needed for Christians to go to heaven. (technically speaking, of course, not in essence.)
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
This is a fascinating question, also asked by Isaac Abban. My aunt June sent me a birthday card every birthday I had for 50 years! I imagine she did the same for all my cousins and her 5 children. On one of my birthdays my Aunt June sent me this birthday card, I think from Dayspring cards, “Behold I set before you an open door which no man can shut,” taken from Revelation 3:8, but which would also include the context of Revelation 3:7 where Jesus mentions, “The one who has the key of David. What He opens, no one can close; and what He closes. No one can open.” From Bible experts, like Warren Wiersbe, in his masterful book, Index of Biblical Images, I get that “the key of David” is not a literal key but a symbol of Authority. Wiersbe lists: Isa. 22:22 Matt. 16:19 Rev. 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1 “Jesus the Messiah is successor to David’s royal line. As the gatekeeper of heaven (not Peter as most people think), Jesus has authority to open and close the way to heaven (comp. Matt. 16:19).” –NLT PARALLEL STUDY BIBLE O all embracing mercy, thou ever open door, What shall I do without thee when heart and eyes run o’er? When all things seem against me, to drive me to despair, I know one gate is open, one ear will hear my prayer. ~ Oswald Allen
Leslie Coutinho
Supporter
Revelation 3:7: And the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." Right from the time of creation, the Lord God spoke unto Adam and Eve; and they did not hold their keys, their children’s children were then scattered over the earth. (Gen 2:17/3:6/11:8) As they were scattered, the Lord then said unto Abram to get out from his father’s house, who then hearkened to His Word, holding the key. Being holy and true, he then left his father's house for the land of Canaan that He gave unto him. (Gen 12: 1,4-7) The land given to Abram, David, who was then from the tribe of Judah, was born in Bethlehem from the generation of Abraham. (Mat 1:2-6) The Lord then sought Him a man, after His own heart, of the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite, to provide Him a king among his sons. (1 Sam 16:1) Samuel was then sent by the Lord God unto Jesse, to provide a king among his sons to Him. Jesse then brought seven of his sons, who passed before him; Samuel then said to Saul, “Are here all thy children?” He then said unto him, yet there is the youngest who looks after the sheep, and he said unto him, “Send and fetch him, for I will not sit down till he comes.” (1 Sam 16:5,10-11) David, the youngest son, was then brought; for he was ruddy and of a beautiful countenance, goodly to look at, and the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Samuel then took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day onwards. (1 Sam 16:12-13/17:14) David, knowing the Lord is his Shepherd, was then led in the right Spirit of God, who was fearfully and wonderfully made by the marvelous works of God, for his soul knew right well. (Psa 23:1/139:13-14) When the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, the evil spirit then troubled him. (1 Sam 16:14) Saul’s servant then said unto him, "Let our lord now command thy servant, to seek a man, who play’s on a harp, who shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” (1 Sam 16:16) Then one of the servants said, "Behold I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is a skilled player, a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, prudent in matters, and a comely person for the Lord is with him." (1 Sam 16:18) David, who was possessed by the Lord’s reins and was woven in his mother's womb (Psa 139:13), was then brought unto Saul, who took the harp and played with his hand, and Saul felt good, for the evil spirit then departed from him. (1 Sam 16:23) David, who was a mature child, had the keys of wisdom given unto him; as our Lord Jesus, the Son of the Highest, when He was born, the Lord God gave Him the throne of his father David. (Lk 1:32,35) Lord Jesus, at the age of twelve, His parents took Him for the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. As the days had been fulfilled, they returned; Lord Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew not. (Lk 2:42-43) His parents, after three days, found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and His answers. His parents then said, "Son, why hast thou done this to us?" Lord Jesus then said, “Do you not know I must do my Father’s business?” (Lk 2:46-49) For He was holding the keys of the Lord God His Shepherd, as David. Proverbs 20:27, 21:23: The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Isaiah 22:22: And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
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