Let’s continue our study on the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Sue and I saw on The 700 Club a Bible scholar who explained that this hymn has its roots in the Bible. She linked the fourth stanza to two verses: Isaiah 22:22, and Luke 21:27. Here they are:
Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder. When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open. (Isaiah 22:22, NASB)
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:27, NASB)
I believe that Jesus has “the key of the house of David on His shoulder. When He opens no one will shut, and when He shuts no one will open.” Jesus sits on the throne of the house of David. He is Lord of all!
The verse from Luke is Jesus speaking to His Disciples. He’s telling them what to expect when He comes back for His elect.
Now the lyrics for the fourth stanza:
” . . . O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery . . . “
I think that the link between “the key of David” is obvious. The hymn implores God to send His Son, so that we’ll have a way to heaven, where those of us who love Jesus will spend eternity with Him!
When Jesus returns for us, He’ll definitely “close the path to misery.” What a time that will be!
Jesus is my Hope! Let’s prepare our hearts for His Glorious Reappearance!
Worship: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” for KING & COUNTRY
Worship: “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel,” by Hayley Westenra