As king, David brought the twelve tribes of Israel from a loose confederation to a united nation. David chose Jerusalem as the new capitol city. During the reign of the previous king, Saul, the Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines. After God sent plagues of tumors and rats, the Philistines decided to return the ark. The return of the ark was accompanied by celebration: music, singing, dancing, feasting, praying and offerings. David was a joyful participant in all the festivities. Above David’s head is a crown. He ruled as king for more than forty years. Not long after the ark arrived in Jerusalem God made David a promise. Through his offspring, his house and kingdom would last forever. Jesus is a descendant of David. In the upper left of the window is what is known today as the Star of David. Since ancient times this has been a symbol of the Jewish kingdom.
The ark is the structure in the center right of the window. God gave Moses the specifications for its construction. It was built shortly after the Israelites left Egypt and it went with them through their wilderness journey and into the Promised Land. The presence of the ark symbolized the presence of God to the people of Israel.
