Illegitimate Became King

Dr. Ron Allen taught an interesting theory regarding the origins of King David, in his class called "Gaining Love for the Hebrew Scriptures." In fact he and his students a few years ago had prepared a video spoof on the tv drama "C.S.I.", and relabeled it "B.S.I." (Bible Study Investigation, if I remember correctly). In the video spoof he subtly steers his students to investigate the Word to uncover the true origins of King David.

In addition to the entertaining introduction, I was quite amazed at his concept from scripture. He suggested that when David wrote these words in Psalm 51:5

Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

David was actually confessing the truth that he was illegitimate. He proposes that David's father, Jesse, had committed adultery with another woman. Dr. Allen points out in meditation upon Psalm 51, that the marriage bed is undefiled. Therefore Jesse must have sinned in bringing forth his youngest of eight sons. He suggests that the elders of the small town had known and yet agreed to conceal the matter, which is why they trembled at Samuel's coming to inspect Jesse's children in 1 Samuel 16:4

When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"

It also explains why Jesse's sons were called to be paraded before Samuel but for some reason David was left out, as he may have been for many other family events. He might have been neglected or abused by his older brothers, who knew his secret. This could explain David's frustrated response when he was undeservingly belittled by his eldest brother in 1 Samuel 17:29

"Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?"

In Psalm 51 David's description of his sin with Bathsheba is of one needing mercies beyond the typical forgiveness the LORD grants for the repentant. David knew better, which made his sin much worse. He followed the example his father had given and committed the same sin. This is an amazing thing to digest, that David had done the same wrong as his father Jesse.

David knew how unworthy he was to have his house established and a child from his own line as heir to the throne. David asks how his familial ties have become worthy of appointment in 2 Samuel 7:18-19

"Who am I, O LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O LORD?

Indeed, is this the LORD's usual manner with men? I truly appreciated learning this idea in the class taught by the Old Testament Editor/Consultant for the Nelson NKJV Study Bible. My mind contemplates the manner in which Jesus Christ came into the world. He was also illegitimate at conception.

I realize that Jesus Christ most necessitated being born of a virgin, not from the will of a man but instead overshadowed by the Holy Spirit to bear Emmanuel. But I cannot escape the idea that the LORD also arranged this in the midst of the punishment due by His own law, which Mary and Joseph both feared for such a situation. Joseph feared his reputation and feared the disclosure of the pregnancy which would have caused her to be stoned. So the LORD sent an angel telling him "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife." No matter how much Mary understood the sanctity of the conception within, she surely understood the judgment typically due from Jewish rule for any other woman in her position. Is it true, she not even officially married at the time she gave birth to the Savior (Luke 2:5)? How incredible, and what a burden of undue shame she bore.



I see the parallel of David's prayer with Mary's Song (Luke 1), in being selected amidst illegitimate circumstances.

David, 2 Sam. 7:20

Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant.

Mary, Lk. 1:48

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

David, 2 Sam. 7:28-29

“And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

Mary, Lk. 1:51-53

He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

David, 2 Sam. 7:21-22

For Your word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Mary, Lk. 1:54-55

He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.

David, 2 Sam. 7:23-24

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name—and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land—before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, LORD, have become their God.

In both their prayers they recognize

1 - They were God's servant

2 - They were lowly in state when appointed

3 - They loved the LORD for his mighty provision and blessings on their behalf

4 - They realized their selection was for the LORD's magnificence

5 - They understood God's ministry to His children was based upon His covenanted promise in the scriptures

What kind of value do Mary and David's circumstances speak into our world today? How about to the illegitimately conceived children in our society? How precious it is to know that Our Lord Jesus and our King David came in the form of the most lowly, the disqualified, the illegitimate. We should not be held forever by our manner of weaknesses? When we have our sins set constantly before us, and contrast our qualification with His chosen manner of manifesting Himself to us, should it be a surprise regarding the illegitimate in our society, "Whoever does these things for the least of my brethren, he does it for Me."

Matt 25:37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'""

The Servant by J. Shively http://www.cafelogos.org