"What Is This Key Of David?

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, 

He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, 

and no man shutteth;, and no may openeth; 

I know thy works: behold, I have set before 

thee an open door, and no man can shut it: 

for thou has a little strength, and hast kept

 my word, and hast not denied My name.

 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue 

of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, 

but do lie; behold, I will make them to come 

and worship before thy feet, and to know 

that I have loved thee. Because thou hast 

kept the word of my patience, I also will 

keep thee from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come upon all the world, to try 

them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 3:7-10 

      We all know the name "Philadelphia" which is the joining of two Greek words, one of the word is used for love of a friend, and the other for brother, so brotherly love. Unlike English where we use the word "love" for just about anything we like, the Greeks defined "Love" so that there is no confusion. What about the "key of David?" This phrase is used twice in the Bible: 1. "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 not shall open" (Isaiah 22:22). 2. In Revelation 3:7, being discussed in this blog. To what does this key refer? This phrase refers to possessing legitimate authority, and in the case of David it referred to his authority to rule Israel. Israel was a holy nation set aside for His purpose. The Key of David does not refer to a physical throne or to a physical nation. Israel is the woman in Revelation chapter twelve who goes from being the nation that gave birth to Jesus Christ to a spiritual nation whose offspring keep the commandments of God and testifies about Jesus Christ as the Savior and this testimony is the spirit of prophesy (Revelation 19:10). Israel became the single nation promised to Abraham and then when Jesus comes to earth the world becomes the kingdom of God and of His Messiah (Revelation 11:15-18; Daniel 1:9-14). The Key of David means the right to rule Israel and now it means more than that for the physical nation of Israel is not a spiritual nation who are Christians, Authentic Christians. Now this Key of David given to Christians is the key that unlocks Scripture so that we can understand the writings of King David. God has opened the Scriptures to His children if they would only take the time to study His word. God will not implant that which is not first planted (Garbage in; garbage out) or (nothing in; nothing out). Some teach that God will give a vision or a word even if that vision is not supported by Scripture or to be recalled from memory. This is never taught in Scripture, and if this was true why then have a Bible for God would just put into the mind whatever He so desired. But God has not done this for He has revealed all that we need to know in His written word. 

     The word "worship" is not altogether a poor translation, but the word "προσκυήσωσιν" is the joining of two Greek words: 1.προσ: this can mean "towards," or "pertaining to," and 2.κυήσωσιν" meaning "dog," and metaphorically it means ungodly men exercising immoral ways. The use of "dog" is that a dog licks a hand and when those two words are conjoined, the meaning is that of bowing to do homage to another and homage means respect, so to give respect or even reverence a formal acknowledgement in giving acknowledgment of the worth of another. We will and should now give homage, reverence, worship towards Jesus Christ who holds the Key of David and give to you and me the right to use that key for our understanding and use and the world will have to acknowledge you an Authentic Christian and will know that you love the Savior Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Christ that will keep you from temptation. No, he will not shut the door to you if you are going to do that which is contrary to Jesus, but He will for He is God, He is the Holy Spirit, He is the Father, He is the Godhead to bring to you that which you have implanted into you mind so that you can withstand temptation. You must use your will. 

     Jesus commends the Church at Philadelphia for their endurance even though they were a "little power" yet they kept the word of Jesus. How can you keep that which you do not have, you cannot. Your power to succeed in your fight against temptation, the culture of this world, false doctrines, and other trials is found in only one place: Jesus Christ. I cannot now see Jesus, can you? NO! How can I see Him now? Through the word of God, through the Scriptures preserved throughout the ages so that you can see Jesus, you can live according to the commands of God. How great is our God? You cannot measure His greatness, but you can know His greatness. It is in His word and is in you by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You have the power now: use it!

The LORD will perfect that which 

     concerneth me: thy mercy, 

O LORD, endureth for ever: 

    forsake not the works of 

Thine own hands.

      Psalm 138:8

You have the Key of David: Use it!

Richard L. Crumb