Topical Encyclopedia
The title "King of Israel" refers to the monarchs who ruled over the ancient Kingdom of Israel, a significant entity in biblical history. The concept of kingship in Israel was established during the time of the prophet Samuel, who anointed the first king at the behest of the people, as recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Saul: The First KingSaul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was the first king anointed by Samuel. His reign marked the transition from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy. Saul's kingship began with promise but was marred by disobedience to God's commands. In
1 Samuel 15:22-23 , Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."
David: The Ideal KingDavid, the son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, succeeded Saul. He is often regarded as the ideal king, a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). David's reign was marked by military conquests, the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and the unification of the tribes of Israel. Despite his personal failings, including the incident with Bathsheba, David's sincere repentance and devotion to God are highlighted in the Psalms. God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would rule forever, is a cornerstone of biblical prophecy (
2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Solomon: The Wise KingSolomon, David's son, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is described as a time of peace and prosperity. Solomon's wisdom is exemplified in
1 Kings 3:9 , where he asks God, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" However, Solomon's later years were marked by idolatry and political alliances through marriage, which led to the kingdom's eventual division.
The Divided KingdomAfter Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom, often referred to simply as Israel, was ruled by a succession of kings, beginning with Jeroboam I. This period was characterized by political instability and idolatry, as many kings "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (
1 Kings 15:34). The prophets Elijah and Elisha ministered during this time, calling the people back to the worship of Yahweh.
The Fall of IsraelThe northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, as a result of persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.
2 Kings 17:7-8 explains, "All this happened because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel."
Messianic FulfillmentThe title "King of Israel" also holds messianic significance. Jesus Christ is recognized as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the eternal King of Israel. In the New Testament, Nathanael declares Jesus as the "King of Israel" in
John 1:49 , acknowledging His divine kingship. Jesus' lineage from David and His role as the Messiah are central to Christian theology, affirming the continuity of God's promises to Israel through the ages.
