<<<Back to the Advent Calendar

O Key of David

On the 24th Day of Advent, the next O Antiphon that is sung is “ O Clavis David” or “O Key of David”. There are two places in the bible where the Key of David is specifically mentioned. First, the Prophet Isaiah (22:22) says:

22 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.

This prophetic verse indicates that the One who is coming will have sovereignty. The holder of the keys of the city is the one that has the power. Once David’s commander scaled the waterspout on the wall of Zion, locates the key and unlocked the gate from the inside, David and his troops entered and took possession of the stronghold of Zion. With keys in hand, the stronghold of Zion became David’s city. He held the power and the keys. The Messiah, as Isaiah is telling us (Isaiah 22:22), holds the keys. He has the authority.

The second time the Key of David is mentioned is in the Book of Revelation (Rev.3:7) There, Jesus himself tells John that he has the Key of David and what He opens, no man can shut and what He closes, no man can open. He has eternal life and governs it; he has conquered the grave. He rules over all the affairs of this eternal kingdom.

During this day in Advent, we recall that Jesus reigns and will reign. He has provided His Spirit to help us as we wait for his return. Keys are used to keeping a stronghold secure or to open a stronghold. Do you need to lock something out of your life? Are you struggling with a recurring anxiety or worry? Or, are you facing a stronghold that you need to be opened? A hardened heart of a loved one? A job opportunity?

Jesus promised up that “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:19). He holds the keys. Ask Him to be the key necessary to deal with these issues. Ask Jesus to put that stronghold under His submission. O Come Lord Jesus, release us and make us free.

And so tonight on December 20th we pray, “O Clavis David!”
O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
See Isaiah 22:22, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 42:7

+The Anglican Anchoress