The Origin of the Star of David

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

No one is quite sure of the origins of the Magen David, or "Star of David," though it is unanimous that there is no connection to the verse in Amos that you cite.

There is a theory that the words "Magen David" are meant to be literal and refers to an actual shield that King David used in battle, though this is highly improbable. However, there is Indeed, this theory is refuted by a credible tradition that there was a menora engraved upon the shield which King David used in wartime. As such, it is highly unlikely that the word "magen" is referring to a shield, such as the kind that is used in battle.

There is also a theory that the Magen David, with its six points along with its center space, is actually intended to allude to the menora and its seven branches. The number seven plays a prominent role in many areas of Jewish ritual.

There is also a theory that the armor used during the Bar Kochba era was engraved with a Magen David. Indeed, it is interesting to note that the name "Bar Kochba" means "Son of the Star". There are also legends abound that the Macabees engraved a Magen David on all their battle gear.

Some suggest that the Magen David may be linked to the verse in the book of Tehillim 18:34,35 where there is an allusion to Jewish kings using such a symbol as their banner. A six-pointed triangular figure is said to have represented royalty in ancient times.

The Magen David should recall that a Jew is to receive his inspiration from all six corners of the world. Indeed, when one recites the shema one is to have in mind that God rules over all six directions of the world.

These are some of the theories surrounding the origins of the Magen David. It is also interesting to note that in the 16th century the Jewish community of Prague was represented by a flag with a six pointed star in its center. The flag can still be seen today in the Altneu synagogue.