“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.” Isaiah 22:22
What is a “key” but an instrument by which one has the ability and authority to open and shut a door. If we look at the key from a spiritual standpoint, as well as a physical one, we discover that the truly important keys are those which God gives, and which are designed by Him for specific purposes. Certainly, those purposes coincide with the bringing in of the Kingdom of God, or more specifically, the reign of the King, Christ. But, what is the significance of these keys, both that given to David, but also those given to Christ’s church? The importance lies in their worth, usefulness, and power to accomplish that which God alone can do, and this for His glory.
In the book of Isaiah, we find the Lord speaking of the son of Hilkiah, whose name is Eliakim, to whom He would give strength and honor, committing to him “the government,” or authority at that time, over the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He would even say of Eliakim, that the authority given to him would enable him to be “…a father” to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. That which is so very important to see here is what God says about the key of David which will be laid upon the shoulder of Eliakim. What does this mean? What is this “key?”
When David was anointed by Samuel the prophet to be king, the Spirit of God came upon David in a very special way. Like Samuel, who came to see and experience how the Lord did not let fall to the ground his words, but accomplishing their desired effects, God would also reveal Himself to Samuel “…by the word of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 3:21) Samuel learned that the words that God gave him, were in effect, keys that unlocked spiritual doors, and physical circumstances. These “words,” living and Divine, were endued with the power and authority of God given to Samuel for the accomplishment of His will. The same is true of David. David, from a young man, learned increasingly how to discern the voice of the Lord, and be assured of His word. He learned in very difficult circumstances to rely wholly upon God according to those words. Why? There was power and authority associated with those words, a power and authority that would change men and circumstances.
Before Jesus was crucified, He spoke to Peter concerning the building of His church. We know that this was not primarily a physical endeavor, but a spiritual one. He would speak in this context of the church’s ability, by the power and authority of God, to break through barriers of spiritual opposition. Jesus would go on to speak to Peter of the “…keys of the kingdom,” these specific instruments by which the authority and power would change things on earth, for they would be changed in heaven. Christ’s words to Peter became words of power and authority.
To the church in Philadelphia, the Lord, in His letter, would declare: “These things saith He that is holy and that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and not man openeth.” (Rev. 3:7) Christ said this to reveal to the believers in Philadelphia that He had opened before them, and the church, a opportunity which no man could shut. (v.8) Here is the power and authority of Christ revealed in His specific word, the result of which is an eternal work, and opportunity, and a promise of blessing.
Finally, God promised the Persian king, Cyrus, that He had taken him by the right hand, the hand of authority. He did this in order to “…subdue nations before him.” (Is. 45:1) Then He declares, “…I will loose the lions of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates, and the gates shall not be shut.” God’s keys are His authoritative, powerful words.
Dear Father, Open closed doors today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.