The Advent Antiphons: O Clavis David

Detail of O Clavis David antiphon for the Magnificat during Advent Vespers,
"The Poissy Antiphonal", f31r (France, 14th c.)

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel,

qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperuit:

veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,

sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel;

you open and no one can shut;

you shut and no one can open:

Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,

those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Isaiah 22:22; 42:7; Revelation 3:7–13

Lord Jesus Christ, you are “the Holy One, the True One,” “the first and the last, and the living one” who has “the keys of Death and of Hades” (Rev 3:7; 1:17–18).

     When you became man to set us free 

     you did not shun the Virgin's womb. 

     You overcame the sting of death 

     and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. [1]

You have “the key of David” (Rev 3:7; cf. Isa 22:22); it is yours to grant access to the kingdom of your Father, yours to say either, “Come,” or, “Depart” (cf. Mt 25:34, 41).  You set before your faithful disciples “an open door, which no one is able to shut” (Rev 3:7, 8).  To those who persevere in your way, you open the narrow gate that leads to life (cf. Mt 7:14).  You promise entrance to the new Jerusalem to those who, possessing “but little power” in themselves, are enabled by your gift to patiently endure great suffering (Rev 3:8, 10).

Lord, grant that we—who have “but little power”—might heed your words, “I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have” (Rev 3:11).

[Here is a setting of O Clavis David, sung by Peter Morton (tenor) and the Choir of St John's College Cambridge, conducted by David Hill.]

* English translation from the Church of England’s Advent seasonal resource.
[1] From the Te Deum, cf. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 96.