Allegiance to God's Anointed is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to those whom God has chosen and appointed for His purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of divine authority and the recognition of God's sovereign will in appointing leaders, prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the anointed ones often refer to kings, priests, and prophets who were consecrated for specific roles in Israel. The Hebrew term "mashiach," meaning "anointed one," is used to describe these individuals. A prime example is King David, who, despite being pursued by King Saul, refused to harm Saul, acknowledging him as the Lord's anointed. David's respect for Saul's anointing is evident in 1 Samuel 24:6 : "He said to his men, 'The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.'"

The allegiance to God's anointed is also seen in the loyalty of the people to David, who was chosen by God to lead Israel. In 2 Samuel 5:3 , the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king over Israel, recognizing God's choice: "So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel."

Prophetic and Messianic Expectations

The concept of God's anointed extends beyond earthly kings to the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah, the ultimate Anointed One. The prophets foretold of a coming deliverer who would be anointed by God to bring salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of this anointed figure: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release from darkness to the prisoners."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, the ultimate Anointed One. The Greek term "Christos," meaning "anointed," is used to describe Jesus as the Christ. His anointing is affirmed at His baptism, where the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, and God declares Him as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:16-17).

Allegiance to Jesus as God's Anointed is a central tenet of Christian faith. The early church proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, urging believers to recognize His divine authority and submit to His lordship. In Acts 2:36 , Peter declares, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Implications for Believers

For believers, allegiance to God's Anointed involves a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. This allegiance is characterized by obedience to His teachings, faithfulness in discipleship, and participation in the mission of the church. The call to allegiance is a call to live under the authority of Christ, as expressed in Colossians 3:17 : "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Allegiance to God's Anointed also entails a recognition of the spiritual authority of those whom God appoints within the church. Hebrews 13:17 exhorts believers to "obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you."

In summary, allegiance to God's Anointed is a profound biblical principle that underscores the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's chosen leaders, culminating in the ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ as the Anointed One, the Savior, and King.