What is the Key of David?

Answer

The Key of David is a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key signifies control or authority; thus, possessing the Key of David would grant one authority over David’s realm, specifically Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel. The fact that Jesus holds this key in Revelation 3:7 indicates that He fulfills the Davidic Covenant, is the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and is the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.

Nevertheless, the passage in Revelation has been misused by various cults stemming from the Christian Identity Movement through Armstrongism. The Philadelphia Church of God, a faction of the Worldwide Church of God, airs a television program named Key of David.

Scriptural Usage

The Key of David is explicitly mentioned in Revelation 3:7, “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: these are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.” The Old Testament allusion is Isaiah 22:22. In this passage, the prophet informs the palace secretary Shebna that he will be replaced by Eliakim, for God “will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David” «And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. », (Isaiah 22:22). The one who holds the keys possesses the authority. Therefore, the “key of David” signifies control over David’s realm, a promise made to the Messiah in both the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 9:7;Luke 1:32).

Cultic Usage

The television program Key of David is hosted by Gerald Flurry, the author of a book with the same title. Flurry is the founder and pastor of the Philadelphia Church of God. His interpretations of Scripture encompass the tTwisting of many biblical prophecies and an interpretation of many other passages as being secretly prophetic. Flurry has a special interest in Revelation 3:7-13, the letter to the church at Philadelphia (the ancient city located in modern-day Turkey). Flurry claims that the “key of David” held by Christ is “the profound understanding he wants all of us to have” (Key of David, p. 10), which will lead to special “positions of authority” (p. 11) in the New Jerusalem. Flurry claims that the letter is a vision of what Christians of our time are to do, but that “only a small percentage” (p. 8) will understand this great vision, qualify to receive the special authority, and share the throne of David with Jesus.

Another major component of Flurry’s beliefs is the assertion that Great Britain and the United States of America (meaning their Caucasian, Anglo-Saxon citizens) are descended from the “lost” tribes of Israel. As Israelites (he says), we are uniquely qualified to hold authority in the Kingdom and create the spiritual Israel. This belief in Anglo-Israelism has no basis in fact.

Conclusion

Paul told Timothy to avoid “myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work— which is by faith” «neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. », (1 Timothy 1:4). There is no “special knowledge” beyond the gospel itself that will aid salvation. Any claim beyond faith in the work of Jesus tears out the heart of the good news: that the just will live by faith «For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. », (Romans 1:17). There is no great vision, special knowledge, or Jewish lineage needed, only faith in Christ.