What is the origin of the Star of David?

Answer 1

According to Judeo/Christian tradition, the Star of David comes from both the actual shape of the symbol David chose to represent himself and his family, and also from an age-old 'Star' prophecy found in Numbers 24:17. First off, it is named "Star' simply because a hexagram looks very similar to the sun (or a star) which appears to have six spikes or points sticking out from its center when observed through hazy skies.

The Star of David is also named 'Star' due to the general consensus among believers that the ''Star' prophecy as written down in the Book of Numbers, was finally fulfilled by King David during his 40 year reign. Here is the relevant passage in the Book of Numbers-

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

- Numbers 24:17

So, because it was David who chose the six-pointed hexagram as his Royal Emblem and because that symbol looked like a star as seen through hazy skies, the choice of the word 'Star' seems quite appropriate. In addition, David's actions as the King of Israel resulted in the fulfillment of the 'Star' prophecy about a mighty ruler directly descended from Jacob who would unite the 12 tribes and finally establish the kingdom of Israel. This too shows the English phrase 'Star of David' to again be the perfect name for this symbol.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that, since the Star of David is such a basic (and fairly simple) Geometric shape it is highly probable that scores of different individual people, families, and tribes were using it independently of each other. So the physical form of the Star of David was never really 'discovered' by some extraordinary caveman thousands of years ago. Thus. one can truthfully say that the Star of David originated in the land of Ancient Israel during the reign of King David around 3,000 years ago.

Please remember that numerous others were already familiar with the six-pointed hexagram both in the Holy Lands and throughout the world long before David's time. What made the legendary Star of David distinctly different from all other hexagrams was the fact that a young shepherd boy named David chose it to be his Royal family Coat of Arms. Not only that, but the religion of this charismatic Shepherd King ended up evolving and expanding to the point where there are now more than a billion adherents to the Judeo/Christian faith. Now it just so happens that this billion man faith has been built around the reverence and worship of one of his direct Jewish descendants (Jesus) as God. So when it comes to the Star of David, one need only look to the East to truly understand where it came from- the Holy Lands, the Promised Land, the nation of Israel.

Answer 3

It is not called the Star of David. It is called the Shield of David because legend says it was the shape of King David's Shield.

Answer 4

The Star of David is an ancient symbol, no one knows its true origins.

Answer 5

in hebrew it is actually magain david, meaning the shield of david, it was the shape of king davids shield to protect the six parts off the torso

Answer 6

Also known as the Shield of David, the six-pointed star has been in use since medieval times. Pentagrams have also been used as Stars of David. It was probably first used as a decoration.