So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
In the 1st century CE, Christianity (from the Greek word Christos, itself a translation of the Hebrew word for "Messiah") was founded in Judea and Galilee.
The first Christians were Jews informed by the teachings of the Hebrew Bible. But unlike their fellow Jews, they saw Jesus as the Messiah spoken of by the prophets. Christians believed that this Jesus, whom the evangelists Matthew and Luke claimed was born of David's line, had brought a new covenant with God.
In the 7th century CE, a third great monotheistic religion, Islam, was established. Islam also draws on David's heritage: the Koran, the Muslim holy book recited by the prophet Muhammad, mentions the name of this legendary king 25 times.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam are each highly vibrant today. And the study and teaching of the Bible remain vital traditions.
Under the sun of Israel and many other skies, David's heritage lives on.