Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "The Declaration of the King" in the Bible often refers to the proclamations and decrees made by God as the sovereign ruler, as well as those made by earthly kings who are seen as His representatives. These declarations are significant in understanding God's will, His covenant with His people, and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout biblical history.Divine Declarations 1. Creation and Sovereignty: The Bible begins with God's declaration in Genesis 1:3, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This statement underscores God's ultimate authority and power as the Creator. His word is effective and brings about reality, establishing His sovereignty over all creation. 2. Covenantal Promises: God's declarations often involve covenants, such as His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." These declarations are foundational to the biblical narrative, revealing God's plan for redemption and His faithfulness to His promises. 3. The Law at Sinai: In Exodus 20, God declares the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites. These declarations form the basis of the covenant at Sinai, establishing the moral and legal framework for God's people. Exodus 20:1-2 states, "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.'" 4. Prophetic Declarations: Throughout the Old Testament, prophets convey God's declarations to His people, often calling them to repentance and foretelling future events. For example, Isaiah 9:6 declares the coming of the Messiah: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders." Royal Declarations 1. Davidic Covenant: In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God makes a declaration to King David through the prophet Nathan, promising that David's throne will be established forever. This covenant is pivotal, as it points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic line. 2. Solomon's Wisdom: King Solomon's declaration of wisdom is a significant event, as seen in 1 Kings 3:9, where Solomon asks God, "Give Your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." God's response is a declaration of blessing, granting Solomon unparalleled wisdom. 3. Decrees of Earthly Kings: The Bible also records declarations by pagan kings that serve God's purposes. For instance, in Ezra 1:2, King Cyrus of Persia declares, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah." This decree allows the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the temple. Messianic Declarations 1. Jesus' Proclamation: In the New Testament, Jesus makes several declarations about His identity and mission. In John 14:6, He declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement affirms His unique role in salvation. 2. The Great Commission: Before His ascension, Jesus declares the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." 3. The Return of the King: Revelation 19:16 describes the ultimate declaration of Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords: "On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." This declaration signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The declarations of the King, whether divine or through His appointed representatives, are central to understanding the unfolding of God's purposes in history and His ultimate plan for humanity. |