King of Israel

“Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” (John 1:49)

Names of God 

God has many names and titles in the Bible. Each one tells us something important about Him—His character and how He relates to us. And how we must relate to Him. Here is another one of His many Names, which is King of Israel.

Jesus – King of Israel

Jesus came as the promised Jewish Messiah, and as a true king to lead his people. This title of king holds significance to both Jews and Gentiles, and gives us insight into who Jesus is and why he came to earth to dwell among us. His reign as king was not temporary, but eternal, and his kingdom is not of this earth, but everlasting. 

Jesus is referred to as King in both the New Testament letters and in Old Testament prophecy. Zechariah 9:9 is a foretelling of what we refer to as Palm Sunday, where Jesus rides into Jerusalem in just this way, riding on a donkey, as crowds around him shout Hosanna! This symbolic entrance made it clear that he was taking on the role of Israel’s King, even when there were many who would not accept it. 

Therefore

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech. 9:9)