Words for Understanding

41 Then Jesus said to them, "Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 43 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 44 David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

Keyword: David, Book of Psalms, footstool.

David is a personal name that may be defined as favorite or beloved. David of the Old Testament united Israel and Judah. He received the promise of a royal messiah in his line. He ruled from 1005 to 965 B.C.[1] 

The book of Psalms is also known as the book of praise in Hebrews. In Greek, it is also known song of praise. There are several authors whose heartfelt praises are included. The individuals range from David to Asaph, sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan. The one hundred and fifty songs are broken into five books. Book One covers 1-41, Book Two covers 42-72, Book Three covers 73-89, Book Four covers 90-106, and Book Five covers 107-150.[2]  

A footstool is a piece of furniture for resting your feet as you are seated on the throne. Egyptian Pharoah Tutankhamun’s footstool was carved with pictures of his enemies. Other Pharaohs’ footstools were portrayed with their feet on their enemies’ heads. God is pictured as a king enthroned in heaven with the earth as His footstool. Reading Isaiah 66 and Matthew 5:35 is the word picture seen in the text.[3] 

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

Keywords: Teachers, robes, marketplaces, seats, synagogues, banquets, widows, prayers.

The Pharisees are one of three groups of the Sanhedrin in place to uphold the law.[4] They were part of the oral traditions maintaining a belief in predestination, angels, and spirits.[5]

The Sadducees are a religious group who were named by David’s co-priest, Zadok. The name means righteous ones.[6]

A banquet is a feast to celebrate an occasion. The banquet can be found in the Old and New Testaments. As per Sawyer, the occasions can be sealing a friendship, celebrating a victory, and other joyous reasons.[7] The celebration would take place in the evening after the work day has ended. The typical for would be fish, bread, vegetables, cheese, honey, dates, and figs.

The widow is a married woman who has lost her husband. The husband is the means of supporting to woman.[8] 

Prayer is a dialogue between God and His people.[9] Throughout the Bible, there are individuals who practice praying. Abraham, Moses, and Joshua are the few who held meaningful prayer lives bringing about positive outcomes for the people. David was a mighty warrior who knew that his success was because of his fellowship and prayers to God. Solomon prayed for wisdom but was granted much more. Jesus prayed many hours to God both day and night. The disciples continue to focus on prayer during their tribulations.

Bibliography

“David.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 391-393. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Fleming, David M. and Russell Fuller. “Psalms, Book of.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1313-1315. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Footstool.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 586. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Hatchett, Randy. “Prayer.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1291-1293. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

Mitchell, Mike. “Sadducees.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1401. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Pharisee,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1259. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Sawyer, Thomas W. “Banquet.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 170. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Scott, Jr., J. Julius. Jewish Background of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995.

Stabnow, David K. “Widow.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1652-1653. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

[1] “David”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 391-393.

[2] David M. Fleming and Russell Fuller, “Psalms, Book of,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1313-1315.

[3] “Footstool”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 586.

[4] “Pharisees”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1259.

[5] J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Background of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995), 205.

[6] Mike Mitchell, “Sadducees,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1401.

[7] W. Thomas Sawyer, “Banquet”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 170.

[8] David K. Stabnow, “Widow,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1652-1653.

[9] Randy Hatchett, “Prayer,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1291-1293.