King in Biblical History

Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is a King?
KING
, a general title for a supreme ruler. It is applied to -- 1. God, as "the Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the Only wise." 1 Tim 1:17. The titles and attributes of earthly royalty are applied to God because much of the language of Scripture was formed under the monarchical idea, and the highest dignity and splendor was that of the king. 2. Christ, as supreme over all rulers, 1 Tim 6:15; over the Jews. Matt 27:11; Luke 19:38; John 1:49. 3. To human rulers, without regard to the size or importance of their dominions; e.g. sheiks or chiefs of Edom, Gen 36:31; Midian, Num 31:8; Moab, Num 23:7, etc. Rulers in single towns, as Melchizedek, king of Salem. Gen 14:18. To a victor, Num 23:21; to a person of splendid appearance, Jud 8:18; the Roman emperor, 1 Pet 2:13; the kings of Egypt, Ex 3:19; Judah, 2 Kgs 8:16; Persia, Ezr 4:3, etc.; to the tetrarch Herod, Matt 14:9; to the people of God, Rev 1:6;Rev 5:10; see also Dan 7:22, Heb 7:27; Matt 19:27; 1 Cor 6:2; 1 Pet 2:9; to death, Job 18:14; to leviathan, Job 41:34; to the devil. Rev 9:11. The name was given in Israel first to Saul, then to David and Solomon, and then to the rulers of Israel and Judah until the Captivity. The divine plan was that God alone should be King. But provision was made for the natural desire of the people for a king like those of other nations. Deut 17:14; 1 Sam 8:9. He was to be a native Israelite, was not to multiply horses, nor take the people back to Egypt, nor gather a harem, nor accumulate great treasure; he was to keep a copy of the Law by him and study it, to fear God, be obedient, humble, and righteous. After the transition period of the Judges, Samuel, the last of the class, anointed Saul, 1 Sam 9, as a special military leader was needed at the siege of Jabesh-gilead. 1 Sam 11. After Saul's disobedience and rejection, 1 Sam 15, Samuel anointed David. For the succeeding dates, etc., see the table at the side and articles under the names of the kings. The kings over the Hebrews were regarded as the representatives of God, drawing their power and receiving their appointment from him. 1 Sam 10:1; 1 Chr 28:4. His office was sacred, 2 Sam 1:14; he could declare war, 1 Sam 11:7; levy taxes and demand service, 2 Kgs 5; he was the court of justice of the last resort, 2 Sam 15:2; held

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'king' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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