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King
April 13
King
basileus
The Greek basileus (G935) is truly ancient. It’s found as early
as the Mycenaean period of Greek history (1600-1200 BC). At
that time it didn’t refer to the sovereign of a state, but
rather a subordinate prince or leader. Homer used it of a
hereditary, legitimate ruler.
In the Septuagint, basileus became an important title for God
as the only one who has the right to the title King. The
earliest example of this term being used of God is in the
dramatic scene in Isa_6:5: “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am
undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the
midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the
King [Hebrew, melek, H4428], the Lord of hosts.”
What a contrast this is to the attitudes today of “the Man
Upstairs” and “God is my pal.” Isaiah got a tiny glimpse of God
as Holy King, and it totally silenced him, almost to the point
of destruction (as the Hebrew indicates; “undone,” dēmēh,
H1820).
The NT view of basileus, then, closely follows the OT. Most
significant is the title King of kings (1Ti_6:15; Rev_17:14;
Rev_19:16), which truly shows how He is contrasted with all
other minor, insignificant earthly kings and rulers.
In his commentary, Exploring Revelation, John Phillips writes,
“One of the most stirring pages in English history tells of the
conquests and crusades of Richard I, the Lionhearted. While
Richard was away trouncing Saladin, his kingdom fell on bad
times. His sly and graceless brother, John, usurped all the
prerogatives of the king and misruled the realm.
The people of England suffered, longing for the return of the
king, and praying that it might be soon. Then one day Richard
came. He landed in England and marched straight for his throne.
Around that glittering coming, many tales are told, woven into
the legends of England-one of them is the story of Robin
Hood.
John’s castles tumbled like ninepins. Great Richard laid claim
to his throne, and none dared stand in his path. The people
shouted their delight. They rang peal after peal on the bells.
The Lion was back! Long live the king! One day a King greater
than Richard will lay claim to a realm greater than England.
Those who have abused the earth in His absence, seized His
domains, and mismanaged His world will all be swept aside.”
What a day that will be when the King returns!
Scriptures for Study: Read the following passages: Isa_6:1-5;
Isa_43:15; Isa_44:6; 1Ti_1:17; Heb_7:2; Rev_15:3. What
characteristics belong only to God as King? What rights are His
alone?
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