Topical Encyclopedia The title "King of Glory" is a profound and majestic designation for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, majesty, and holiness. This title is prominently featured in Psalm 24, a psalm attributed to David, which celebrates the entrance of the Lord into His sanctuary and His reign over all creation.Biblical References: · Psalm 24:7-10 : "Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is He, this King of Glory? The LORD of Hosts—He is the King of Glory." In this passage, the psalmist calls for the gates to open wide for the entrance of the King of Glory, signifying the Lord's victorious and triumphant nature. The repetition of the question "Who is this King of Glory?" followed by the answer underscores the identity of the Lord as the ultimate sovereign, powerful in battle and commanding the heavenly hosts. Theological Significance: The title "King of Glory" encapsulates several key attributes of God: 1. Sovereignty: As the King, God reigns supreme over all creation. His authority is unmatched, and His rule is eternal. The imagery of gates and doors opening for the King of Glory symbolizes the acknowledgment of His rightful dominion. 2. Majesty and Splendor: The term "glory" conveys the brilliance and magnificence of God's presence. It reflects His holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His being. The King of Glory is not only powerful but also resplendent in majesty. 3. Strength and Might: The description of the Lord as "strong and mighty" and "mighty in battle" highlights His power to overcome all adversaries. This aspect of God's character assures believers of His ability to protect and deliver them from spiritual and physical foes. 4. Divine Presence: The call for the gates to open is often interpreted as a reference to God's presence entering the temple or the city of Jerusalem. It signifies the welcoming of God's presence into the lives of His people, where He dwells among them as their King. Christological Interpretation: In Christian theology, the title "King of Glory" is also applied to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of this psalm. The New Testament presents Jesus as the divine King who triumphantly enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) and ultimately ascends to the right hand of the Father, where He reigns in glory (Hebrews 1:3). The early Church Fathers and Christian theologians have often interpreted Psalm 24 as a prophetic anticipation of Christ's ascension and His return in glory. The imagery of the gates opening is seen as symbolic of Christ's victory over sin and death, His ascension into heaven, and His future return as the triumphant King. Worship and Devotion: The title "King of Glory" inspires worship and reverence among believers. It calls the faithful to recognize God's majesty and to open their hearts to His presence. In liturgical settings, Psalm 24 is often recited or sung to celebrate God's kingship and to invite His presence into the worshiping community. In personal devotion, believers are encouraged to reflect on the attributes of the King of Glory, seeking to live in a manner that honors His sovereignty and reflects His glory in their lives. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |