QUESTION: Regarding the Old Testament promises with respect to the Davidic Dynasty and the Lord decreeing that David’s throne would be established forever how are we to understand the prophecy when there was a time when Judah fell and the Jews went into exile (725-585 BC)? While I wholeheartedly believe that Christ would inherit the throne of David, there was no one sitting on the throne of David. How could it be a continuous succession? Some how would it just continue in perpetuity, despite the gaps? Could the Papal throne on the earth today be understood to be part of the fulfillment of the Davidic throne established forever or does that only apply to Jesus in heaven?
ANSWER: Gaps in mortal rule are obvious, although the line of David continued among God’s people as did divine providence. The everlasting rule is made manifest in Christ. Jesus is a king with two crowns: as divine he invites us into his heavenly kingdom; as man he fulfills the messianic prophecy of the human and Davidic kingdom. Jesus joins these two kingdoms into one. Every year we have a feast where we celebrate Christ the King. Just as David had a steward who was the keeper of the keys; Peter or the Pope fulfills this role for Christ. Jesus gave him and the Church the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
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