The key of David
The Old Testament
I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Isaiah 22:22
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In the New Testament
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
Revelation 3:7
BSB
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Read the full text (2 verses)
God says he will appoint his servant Eliakim as steward of the palace: I will place the key of the house of David on his shoulder. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I will drive him like a peg into a firm place.
Eliakim is put in charge of the palace, with the key as a sign of authority. Revelation applies the words literally to Christ, in the letter to Philadelphia. And when Jesus promises Peter 'the keys of the kingdom of heaven', the same image can be heard. Strikingly, Isaiah goes straight on to say that the nail will later break. Eliakim's authority was temporary; Christ's is not.
What Jesus said about it
- Philadelphia: an open doorSee, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a…Revelation 3:8
- And you?But what about you? Who do you say I am?Matthew 16:15