Matthew 1:1

1 An account of the genealogy^[a] of Jesus the Messiah,^[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham.

The Star of David is a Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. It appears on synagogues, Jewish tombstones, and the flag of the State of Israel.. In the Middle Ages the Star of David appeared with greater frequency among Jews but did not assume any special religious significance; it is found as well on some medieval cathedrals. The term Magen David, which in Jewish liturgy signifies God as the protector (shield) of David, gained currency among medieval Jewish mystics. The Jewish community of Prague was the first to use the Star of David as its official symbol, and from the 17th century on the six-pointed star became the official seal of many Jewish communities and a general sign of Judaism, though it has no biblical or Talmudic authority. The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism. Christians are reminded in this symbol of our tie to Israel in the Judeo/Christian tradition.

Prayer

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the holy history we share with Your people. As we read how You have been in relationship with our ancestors, we desire this same communion with You through the new covenant in Jesus. In His holy name we pray. Amen.