Despite his human failings, David represented the ideal king of Israel in the writings of several prophets, particularly Isaiah. There is a great prophecy of the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 9: 6-7. The wonderful ruler who is to come will rule as David's successor, basing his power on right and justice till the end of time. In Isaiah 55: 3 the people of God are promised the blessings of which David was given a prophecy (2 Samuel 7).

The promise made to David is referred to by Jeremiah who looks to the future when a just king descended from David will rule his people. Jeremiah had seen the last kings of Judah prove to be unworthy descendants of David (Jeremiah 23: 5-6).

Psalm 89 has many references to God's love for David, his anointed servant, and Psalm 132 is a prayer to God to remember his promise to David to give him an everlasting dynasty. The Psalm refers to David's placing of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem.

As we continue with the history of Israel in the books of Kings, we find that the writer does not accept as rightful kings those who later ruled the northern half of the kingdom and who were not descendants of David. He accepts as rightful kings those who were direct descendants of David, who ruled from Jerusalem, and who maintained the covenant faith.