King of Israel

The title King of Israel belongs supremely to the LORD throughout the Old Testament, yet the same kingship is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The prophets spoke of a coming King from David’s line who would reign forever in righteousness, shepherd his people and rule the nations with justice and peace.

God: Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to your voice in all you have said to me, and I have set over you a king. But when you saw Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.  (1 Sam 12:1, 11-12)

Jesus: “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49)

God: I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, and your King (Isa 43:15)

Jesus: Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!”   (Mark 15:32)

God: Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.  (Isa 44:6)

Jesus: The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”  (John 12:12-15) 

God: The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; (Zeph. 3:15)

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, was crucified under the title “King of the Jews,” and rose again in glory, He fulfilled those promises as Israel’s true and eternal King. Scripture presents Him not merely as a human ruler, but as the divine King who reigns over God’s covenant people forever.