The Messiah will be the ‘Son of David’

At a Friday Group Bible Study the story of blind Bartimaeus receiving his sight from Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10:46-52, was being discussed. One of those present asked a very pertinent question:

“Why did Bartimaeus shout out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.’” Mark 10:47

Bartimaeus clearly recognised that Jesus was the expected Messiah who could both put him right with God but, being God, could also heal his sight. The presence of this real faith is seen by the fact that he came to Jesus, leaving his cloak, that represented his old life, behind even before his sight was restored. He acted on a faith that was evidence based.. He would have heard of many others who had been healed by Jesus, such as the blind man in Bethesda (Mark 8:22-26).

The idea that the Messiah would be the descendant of King David was widely known through the synagogue teaching, as it is a core theme in the Old Testament. Multiple prophecies indicate that God’s future eternal ruler would emerge from David’s line. Here are some of the primary prophecies:

1. 2 Samuel 7:12–16 – The Davidic Covenant

In this foundational promise, God makes a covenant with David, declaring that his lineage will produce a king whose kingdom will be eternal:

“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12–13

Although this covenant initially points to David’s son Solomon, it is widely understood as a messianic prophecy, anticipating a future, everlasting king from David’s line.

2. Isaiah 9:6–7 – The Promised King on David’s Throne

Isaiah prophesies about a divine ruler who will sit on David’s throne, establishing a kingdom of peace and justice:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” Isaiah 9:6–7

This ruler will bring about an everlasting kingdom, a direct connection to the eternal throne promised to David.

3. Isaiah 11:1–10 – The Branch from Jesse

Isaiah describes a “shoot” or offspring that will emerge from Jesse (David’s father), referring to a descendant of David who will bring justice and righteousness:

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” Isaiah 11:1–2

This prophecy emphasises the wisdom, justice, and peace of this future king, and it has long been understood as a reference to the Messiah.

4. Jeremiah 23:5–6 – The Righteous Branch

Jeremiah foretells of a “righteous Branch” from David’s line who will reign as a just and wise king:

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5

This prophecy also emphasises the righteousness of the coming king, suggesting a divine quality in his rule.

5. Jeremiah 33:14–17 – The Perpetual Davidic Line

Jeremiah further reassures that the promise made to David will be fulfilled, with a king from his lineage:

“In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land… For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel.” Jeremiah 33:15, 17

This covenant underscores the idea that David’s lineage will always produce a king, ultimately fulfilled in the coming Messiah.

6. Ezekiel 34:23–24 – The Shepherd King

Through Ezekiel, God promises a new “shepherd” from David’s line who will care for His people, pointing to a Messiah-like figure:

“And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them.” Ezekiel 34:23–24

Though David had already passed away, this prophecy foretells a future Davidic shepherd, a king in the spirit of David, to lead the people.

7. Ezekiel 37:24–25 – The Eternal Davidic King

Ezekiel reiterates that the promised king from David’s line will rule eternally:

“My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes… and David my servant shall be their prince forever.” Ezekiel 37:24–25

This prophecy is understood as messianic, envisioning a leader in David’s line with an eternal rule.

8. Psalm 89:3–4, 35–37 – The Covenant of David’s Line

The psalmist recalls God’s covenant with David, promising an unbreakable line that will endure forever:

“You have said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Psalm 89:3–4

This psalm highlights the everlasting nature of David’s line, viewed as ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah.

These passages collectively form the foundation of the belief in a “Davidic Messiah”—a future ruler from David’s lineage who would bring justice, peace, and eternal kingship. This belief was central to the Jewish messianic hope and is reflected in later interpretations within both Jewish and Christian traditions.