The biblicist Br Frédéric Manns comments on some aspects of the life of King David, currently projected on the Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem
Bethlehem. The name of this center located about twelve kilometers from the Old City of Jerusalem makes us immediately think of the place where the Child Jesus was born!
It is interesting to note, however, that Bethlehem was also the scene of many episodes of the Old Testament, such as the birth of David, who later became King of Israel.
Br FRÉDÉRIC MANNS, ofm
Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
“Samuel came to Bethlehem and sent for David’s father, Jesse, to introduce him to his sons. None of those whom Jesse presented was chosen. ‘There’s not another one?’ Asked Samuel. ‘Yes!’ [David’s father answered]. ‘The little one who stays with the flock, the little shepherd!’ ‘Call him!’. And when Samuel saw him, he said, ‘Here is the chosen one of the Lord.’ He received the anointing of the Lord and immediately the Spirit of the Lord rested on him and the Spirit never left him again “.
In Christian Tradition, David became the prototype of the Messiah. Both were born in the same land and liberated the people of Israel from their enemies.
Br FRÉDÉRIC MANNS, ofm
Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
“The text says: he had red hair … Jesus did not have red hair, but the Fathers of the Church say that he did when the crown of thorns was placed on his head due to the blood”.
Over the last few days the story of this great king, based on biblical, historical and archaeological sources, was projected on the Walls of the Holy City from the Tower of David Museum as a light show. The show begins immediately after sunset and brings together the main aspects of the king’s life in a new, modern and artistic perspective.
CAROLINE SHAPIRO
International Public Relations Tower of David Museum
“It is an incredible production that combines cinema, art, animation, music … all in the Old City of Jerusalem. We are using cutting-edge laser projection technology from England. It is unique to see the walls lit up by about 35 million pixels, 250,000 lights, with 10 kilometers of cables surrounding the site, as well as 18 projectors which allow the public to enjoy this show “.
Among the highlights of the show there are works by artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Michelangelo in which David is represented.
Through multisensory experiences, the public is fascinated by songs of the famous Psalms attributed to the King of Israel ….A man who danced even before the Ark of the Covenant!
Br FRÉDÉRIC MANNS, ofm
Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
“When he danced, Mihal, his wife, made fun of him: ‘What are you doing?’. Luke remembered this tradition when Elizabeth went to visit Mary: little John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s bosom danced like David “.
Another episode – perhaps the most important of his life – was the victory over the giant Goliath, also represented.
Br FRÉDÉRIC MANNS, ofm
Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
“The Father of the Church Hippolytus of Rome, when he comments on this page, says: ‘And here, we Christians are a small minority in the world that is pagan, which has returned to paganism. We must not put on Saul’s armour by making plans and projects. No need, it only impedes us. We must pick up our stick. The stick is the symbol of the Cross of Christ Who died for each of us, to justify us. ”
Naturally, the scene that represents the conversion of David and the mercy of God that he feld could not be missing from the array!
Br FRÉDÉRIC MANNS, ofm
Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
“David had the courage to ask for forgiveness. In Tradition, the Psalm, Miserere 51, speaks of the repentance of David, of a broken and humiliated heart: ‘ Create in me, O God, a pure heart, renew in me a firm spirit’. It means that conversion is also a gift from God “.