Abstract

HELBERG, Jaap L. Christ as Davidic figure in Revelation. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2014, vol.48, n.1, pp.01-08. ISSN 2305-0853.

The violence in Revelation resembles much of the violence in the time of David, and this raises the question whether the 'loving rule' as proclaimed in the rest of the New Testament gives way to 'violent rule'. In this article the answer is sought in the apocalyptic language and style of the book (superlatives, sharp contrasts), and in the framing of God as the Alpha and the Omega on Whom everything is focused and Who integrates all. The research investigates how this affects God's justice and his mercy, and what role David plays in God's kingly rule, in view of him being linked to Christ as the Lion and the Lamb. The investigation pays attention to David as king, as exemplary believer and yet sinful human, and to the significance of repentance and conversion and a personal relationship with God. It is found that the link to David gives expression to a longing for an integration of righteousness and love, which was shadowy in David and comes to fulfilment in the wonder of God in Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection and second coming. The book Revelation is a token of God's grace, by being a serious and ceaseless warning and call to perseverance in faith and to conversion. Simultaniously it is an invitation to come to Him, because only through and with Him, the living One and personal God, there is life. Outside Him there is only disintegration.

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