David, King of Israel, lives and endures

The Kingdom of the House of David endures even today. An expression of faith in the eternity of Israel and in the redemption—the restoration of the Davidic monarchy (originating as a kind of formula affirming the reliability of statements regarding the sanctification of the new month by the rabbinical court).

(“Rabban Gamliel said to the Sages: ‘Thus I have received from my father’s father’s house: sometimes it comes in a long form, and sometimes it comes in a short form.’ Rabbi Yohanan said: ‘What is the reason of the school of Rabbi? As it is written (Psalms 104): “He made the moon for appointed times; the sun knows its setting.” It is the sun that knows its setting; the moon does not know its setting…’ Rabbi said to Rabbi Ḥiyya: ‘Go to Ein Tav and sanctify the month, and send me a sign: “David, King of Israel, lives and endures.”’” — Rosh Hashanah 25a, And likewise: ‘David, King of Israel, lives and endures’ — ‘lives’ indicates David himself, that he did not die; ‘endures’ indicates the King of Israel, that his kingdom has not ceased, and from it will sprout forth again speedily in our days, amen.” — Ḥatam Sofer, Hullin 67b, And likewise: ‘Rabbi Dud’l had a golden chair, and engraved upon the chair: “David, King of Israel, lives and endures.” And they whispered: Rabbi Dud’l is aspiring to reign, that he is rebelling against the kingdom… and the matter reached Petersburg.’” — I. L. Peretz, The Metamorphosis of a Melody, And likewise: ‘On his way he found a quorum of Jews, standing and directing their faces toward the moon, saying: “David, King of Israel, lives and endures.”’” — Mordecai ben Yehezkel, Book of Tales, Part IV, p. 143)

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