Some Old Testament scriptures tell about a latter-day “Davidic King,” “Davidic Servant,” or “Marred Servant.” The consensus of mainstream scholarship and teaching from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that this refers to Jesus Christ, when He rules the earth after His Second Coming. But some claim the “Servant” will be a mortal man who may or may not be a regularly-ordained Church leader. Because of the name “David,” some speculate Apostle David Bednar will be the Servant, and the same was said decades ago about the prophet David O. McKay.
Many who are not Apostles or Church leaders have claimed to be the “Davidic Servant.” Recently it was reported a woman and her brother kidnapped her teenage son because they believed him to be the “Davidic Servant.” The belief in a “Davidic Servant” is controversial and has been associated with criminal and tragic outcomes. To an unstable individual who feels entitled to power or special spiritual gifts, the “Davidic Servant” belief can be used to justify immoral and unscriptural actions. To an ordinary member of the Church, belief in a coming “Davidic Servant” can cause frustration with actual Church leaders, a feeling of spiritual superiority to them, and an eventual loss of faith in the restored gospel altogether.
A Mortal Davidic Servant: Refuting the Arguments
Believers in a coming mortal “Davidic Servant” use several arguments to support their claim. Most are completely wrong.
I had never heard of this Davidic Servant thing, but if I had a dollar for every time I have run into some flake in Church history who thought they were the “One mighty and strong” I could retire now. I wish I had made a list of names. Glad this piece points out the FP statement on it.
This is an excellent article and very timely! It’s sad to see good, faithful people swept up by these false ideas. They can be terribly damaging!