Historians and secular biographers question whether David actually lived primarily because there is no physical evidence that he lived. As a believer, I concede that the evidence may be lacking, but as I read Psalms ascribed to David, I am convinced that he had visions of the dynasty of Christ, his life and his crucifixion.  This is the concluding entry arguing that King David did exist and that the most convincing and dramatic evidence of his existence is how Christ referenced him.

Some truths are illustrated figuratively, many times revealed in the life of someone or some object generations before the designated subject-symbol arrives.  Without delving into a complicated discussion on types and shadows, we can examine the life and kingship of David and interpret what it means to our lives now and in the kingdom to come:

            1] David was chosen not based on human characteristics, but on characteristics that God himself decided.  Did he know how David would fare?  We can only assume that he did, and that he was okay with the outcome. 

            2] David was anointed king approximately 22 years before he was given actual access to ascend the throne.  He knew he had been given the position but he needed to receive instruction and wait patiently until he was given authority to reign.

            3] David was the foremost psalmist, an exemplary worshipper blessed by the Spirit to see and foretell details in the life and passion of Messiah; the Christ centuries before his arrival.

            4] At times David failed miserably but repented, illustrating how living in an ongoing relationship with God is the only way to really experience life.  God did not expect him to be perfect, and as Paul declared: “. . .  where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” [Romans 5:20 NKJV]

            5] David’s life also illustrated vividly that through Christ, we are accepted into God’s royal family no matter how broken and discarded we may seem to be.  This was reflected in David’s actions toward Mephibosheth [2 Samuel 9].

Biblical historians have different ideas on how Jesus presented himself to the world, but they do not disagree on whether he existed.  If Christ existed and declared himself a descendent of David, any believer in Christ would have to acknowledge and believe in David, the King.