Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: King of Israel

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The title "King of Israel" is one of the many significant titles attributed to Jesus Christ, reflecting His divine authority and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This title underscores His role as the promised Messiah and the sovereign ruler over God's chosen people, Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The title "King of Israel" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the expectation of a coming king from the line of David is a central theme. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God promises David that his throne will be established forever: "When your days are complete and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

This promise is echoed in the prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 9:6-7, which speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will have the government upon His shoulders and will reign on David's throne with justice and righteousness.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus is explicitly recognized as the "King of Israel." In John 1:49, Nathanael declares, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!" This acknowledgment comes after Jesus demonstrates His divine knowledge and insight, affirming His messianic identity.

During the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds hailed Jesus as King, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. John 12:13 records the people shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!"

Messianic Expectation and Fulfillment

The Jewish expectation of a messianic king was one of a political and military leader who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression. However, Jesus redefined kingship through His life, death, and resurrection. His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36), and His reign was characterized by humility, service, and sacrificial love.

The title "King of Israel" also points to Jesus' ultimate authority and His role in God's redemptive plan. As the King, He fulfills the covenant promises made to David and establishes a kingdom that transcends national and ethnic boundaries, inviting all who believe in Him to become part of His eternal kingdom.

Theological Significance

The recognition of Jesus as the "King of Israel" has profound theological implications. It affirms His identity as the Messiah, the anointed one who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies. It also highlights His divine authority and the inauguration of God's kingdom on earth.

Furthermore, this title emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus is the culmination of God's promises to Israel. As the King, Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of the law and the prophets, bringing salvation not only to Israel but to all nations.

In summary, the title "King of Israel" encapsulates Jesus' messianic mission, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His sovereign rule over God's people. It invites believers to recognize His authority and to participate in His kingdom through faith and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:49
Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Sundry August Titles, Descriptive of Deity, Applied to the Son ...
... Chapter XVII."Sundry August Titles, Descriptive of Deity, Applied to ... mine." [7982]
Then why not His names also? ... by them, that the name of Christ belongs also ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xvii sundry august titles descriptive.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God of ... same is true in connection
with the names of our ... some passages He is referred to as Christ, in others ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

The Kingdom and the King
... It seems best to take the two first titles as a compound ... Dying men need and have
an undying Christ. ... The whole series of names culminates in 'the Prince of Peace ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the kingdom and the king.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... NOTE."To be recited, but not recorded save the titles and references ... NOTE."Name in
a sentence, opposite the names given, a fact illustrating ... What of Christ? ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

Psalm LXXIII.
... of Asaph himself." So many Psalms we have on the titles whereof is ... Isaac and Jacob,
and not to mention many names, through Mary was our Lord Jesus Christ. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which he ...
There is no salvation now by the law of Moses without Christ: hence Israel ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

Christ as the Rod, the Flower, the Stone.
... baseless is the procedure of those who, when so many names are given to Christ,
take the ... without enquiring, as in the case of His other titles, in what ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/41 christ as the rod.htm

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
... the list at Acts 1:13, and the names Matthew and ... four Gospels, but is there invariably
used by Christ himself. ... their minds were thus full of his titles of glory ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxi jesus makes his first.htm