You will prolong the king’s life; his years as many generations. He shall abide before God forever. (Psalm 61:6-7)
At first glance, this verse seems a bit odd if we interpret David’s words to mean he expected to live “forever.” He would have been aware of the fact that Moses had written, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years” (Psalm 90:10). Add to this the belief among Jewish commentators that, by and large, kings are destined to die young. In fact, the Jewish sages teach that, because kings bear the brunt of everyone’s dissension, the throne “buries its occupants.” Apparently, David appealed to God that this would not be the case with him, but that God would grant him a full life. As it turned out, David was about 70 years old when he died.
That being so, what did he mean by “He shall abide before God forever”? We do know that God determined David’s offspring would sit upon the throne of Israel for “many generations.” Through the prophet Nathan, God told David, “Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). However, there has not been a legitimate king to rule over Israel since Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians. The point is this: understanding that David’s psalm was prophetic in nature, there can only be one answer to the question — the king referred to is King Messiah. The promise made to David will be fulfilled when Messiah sits upon the throne and rules over all nations from Jerusalem.
Here’s the best part of that truth: because of Messiah, those who have placed their faith in Him will rule and reign with Him. Our present existence in this life is certain to be limited; we may be blessed to live as long as David, maybe even longer. But unless we are among those who are “alive and remain,” we are destined to taste death. Thankfully, those who have been born again are also destined to enjoy eternal life. Because He lives, we shall abide before God forever under the kingship of Yeshua. As it is written, “The Lord does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever. … The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever” (Psalm 37:28-29). Amen.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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