We all recognize the iconic symbol of the Star of David, do we know where it came from and where it got its name?
I always learned that the symbol appeared on King David's shield. True? How do we know?
(We gave seen in a previous question about Rabbinic Judaism in relationship to the Magen David, but I was not satisfied with the answer, so I thought I would restate it in a more historical fashion.)
EDIT: Please give sources from History.
Answer
My understanding of the Star of David is that it became iconic around the same time that Kabbalah and the Zohar began to gain acceptance as a input into Halacha. It is in the Merkavah literature and the Zohar that the 6 pointed star is given significance. The Star of David is seen as the star that connects the sephirah of Malchut to the 6 sefirot above it. Malchut is a sefira that is associated with King David.
An interesting note regarding the Star of David is that in Lurianic Kabbalah the seder plate is placed in such a way as to create two overlapping triangles. As per Gershom article where he tries to claim that it does not say such a thing. It seems that this practice, and the subsequent creation of Seder plates with this symbol is what spearheaded the Star of David into it's Iconic status.
It would make sense that a symbol used on Pesach would be able to overcome the traditional Jewish Symbol of the 7 branched Menorah.
There are many other numerlogical and structural signifcances of the symbol which give it a meaning of protection and a uniqueness to the Jewish people. (even though it's used by other cultures as well.)
The "shield of David" then grew to be understood as a literal symbol which King David bore upon his Shield (and the Maccabees) and became iconic as we know of it today.
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