Person

King

राजा·Raja

Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).

This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Matt. 27:11). The people of God are also called “kings” (Dan. 7:22, 27; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 1:6, etc.). Death is called the “king of terrors” (Job 18:14).

Jehovah was the sole King of the Jewish nation (1 Sam. 8:7; Isa. 33:22). But there came a time in the history of that people when a king was demanded, that they might be like other nations (1 Sam. 8:5). The prophet Samuel remonstrated with them, but the people cried out, “Nay, but we will have a king over us.” The misconduct of Samuel’s sons was the immediate cause of this demand.

The Hebrew kings did not rule in their own right, nor in name of the people who had chosen them, but partly as servants and partly as representatives of Jehovah, the true King of Israel (1 Sam. 10:1). The limits of the king’s power were prescribed (1 Sam. 10:25). The officers of his court were, (1) the recorder or remembrancer (2 Sam. 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3); (2) the scribe (2 Sam. 8:17; 20:25); (3) the officer over the house, the chief steward (Isa. 22:15); (4) the “king’s friend,” a confidential companion (1 Kings 4:5); (5) the keeper of the wardrobe (2 Kings 22:14); (6) captain of the bodyguard (2 Sam. 20:23); (7) officers over the king’s treasures, etc. (1 Chr. 27:25-31); (8) commander-in-chief of the army (1 Chr. 27:34); (9) the royal counsellor (1 Chr. 27:32; 2 Sam. 16:20-23).

(For catalogue of kings of Israel and Judah see chronological table in Appendix.)

Source:Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)Public domain

Original language

Key verses

Also in Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)

“a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country.”—Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor unless they placed themselves under the sway of a king, like surrounding nations. The original idea of a Hebrew King was twofold: first, that he should lead the people to battle in time of war; and, a second, that he should execute judgment and justice to them in war and in peace. (1 Samuel 8:20) In both respects the desired end was attained. Besides being commander-in-chief of the army, supreme judge, and absolute master, as it were, of the lives of his subjects, the king exercised the power of imposing taxes on them, and of exacting from them personal service and labor. In addition to these earthly powers, the king of Israel had a more awful claim to respect and obedience. He was the vicegerent of Jehovah, (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13) and as it were his son, if just and holy. (2 Samuel 7:14; Psalms 2:6,7; 89:26,27) he had been set apart as a consecrated ruler. Upon his dead had been poured the holy anointing oil, which had hitherto been reserved exclusively for the priests of Jehovah. He had become, in fact, emphatically “the Lord’s anointed.” He had a court of Oriental magnificence. The king was dressed in royal robes, (1 Kings 22:10; 2 Chronicles 18:9) his insignia were, a crown or diadem of pure gold, or perhaps radiant with precious gems, (2 Samuel 1:10; 12:30; 2 Kings 11:12; Psalms 21:3) and a royal sceptre. Those who approached him did him obeisance, bowing down and touching the ground with their foreheads, (1 Samuel 24:8; 2 Samuel 19:24) and this was done even by a king’s wife, the mother of Solomon. (1 Kings 1:16) His officers and subjects called themselves his servants or slaves. He had a large harem, which was guarded by eunuchs. The law of succession to the throne is somewhat obscure, but it seems most probable that the king during his lifetime named his successor. At the same time, if no partiality for a favorite wife or son intervened, there would always be a natural bias of affection in favor of the eldest son.

Source: Smith’s Bible Dictionary (1863) · Public domain

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In simple words

A king is a supreme ruler of a country or people. In the Bible, it refers to human monarchs, but more importantly, it describes God's ultimate authority over everything and Jesus Christ as the promised divine King who reigns forever over His eternal kingdom.

Historical context

The concept of kingship in Israel underwent a significant historical development. Initially, Israel was a theocracy, ruled directly by God through judges and prophets. However, driven by a desire to be 'like all the nations,' the people demanded a human king (1 Samuel 8). This led to the anointing of Saul as the first king. The monarchy was later solidified and divinely established through David, to whom God made an unconditional covenant, promising an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7). Subsequent kings ruled over the united kingdom and, after the division, over the separate kingdoms of Israel and Judah. While some kings, like David and Josiah, demonstrated faithfulness to God, many others, particularly in the northern kingdom of Israel, led their people into idolatry and injustice. The prophetic tradition consistently held kings accountable to God's covenant, often delivering messages of judgment or hope. Ultimately, the earthly monarchies of both Israel and Judah failed, leading to their respective exiles, which underscored the need for a perfect, righteous King – the Messiah – who would fulfill God's promises and establish an eternal, just kingdom.

Cultural context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kingship was a central and often divinely sanctioned institution. Kings were typically hereditary rulers who held absolute power over their subjects, armies, and legal systems. They were often seen as divine representatives, guardians of cosmic order, or even gods themselves, whose decrees were law. The anointing of kings in Israel, often by prophets, marked a distinct difference from surrounding nations. While Israel's kings held significant authority, their power was not absolute; it was delegated by God. They were expected to rule justly according to God's covenant and law (Torah), serving as 'shepherds' of God's people, and were accountable to Yahweh. Unlike other cultures that might deify their kings, Israel's kings were strictly forbidden from claiming divinity, serving instead as human mediators of God's rule, subject to divine judgment if they failed in their duties.

Symbolism

The concept of 'king' carries profound symbolism: * **Divine Sovereignty:** God as the ultimate King symbolizes His absolute authority, supreme power, righteous rule, and control over all creation and history (Psalm 93, 96-99). * **Messianic Hope:** The promised Davidic King (Messiah) symbolizes restoration, justice, peace, everlasting reign, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan (Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 19:16). * **Human Authority/Responsibility:** Earthly kings symbolize human leadership, its potential for good or evil, and the critical accountability of all authority to God. * **Kingdom of God:** The 'king' is inseparable from the 'kingdom,' symbolizing God's active, dynamic reign in the hearts of believers and eventually over a renewed earth, bringing about His perfect will.

For today

The biblical understanding of kingship profoundly impacts Christian life today. First, acknowledging God as the ultimate King reminds believers of His supreme authority, prompting submission, worship, and obedience to His will above all earthly powers. This fosters a worldview where ultimate hope and allegiance rest in Him, regardless of earthly circumstances. Second, understanding Jesus as the 'King of Kings' provides assurance of His present and future reign, offering hope amidst chaos, injustice, and suffering. It motivates believers to live as faithful citizens of His eternal kingdom, embodying kingdom values like justice, mercy, and righteousness in their daily lives, advocating for them in society, and patiently awaiting His full return and the complete establishment of His kingdom. It also serves as a challenge to all human leadership, whether in government, business, or community, to rule justly, humbly, and with integrity, recognizing their ultimate accountability to the divine King.

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