The concept of a singular, divinely appointed king is a central theme throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting God's covenantal promises and His sovereign plan for His people. This promise is woven through the tapestry of Scripture, from the early patriarchal narratives to the prophetic literature, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this promise.

Old Testament Foundations

The promise of one king finds its roots in the Abrahamic Covenant, where God promises Abraham that kings will come from his lineage (Genesis 17:6). This promise is further developed in the Davidic Covenant, where God assures David, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant establishes the expectation of a perpetual dynasty through David's line, pointing to a future king who would reign eternally.

The Psalms often reflect this messianic hope, portraying a king who embodies righteousness and justice. Psalm 2, for instance, speaks of the Lord's Anointed, declaring, "I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain" (Psalm 2:6). This king is depicted as ruling with divine authority, a theme echoed in Psalm 110, where the Lord says to His Anointed, "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet" (Psalm 110:1).

Prophetic Expectations

The prophets further articulate the promise of one king, often in the context of Israel's hope for restoration and deliverance. Isaiah prophesies about a child born to us, a son given, whose government will be upon His shoulders, and He will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). This passage anticipates a king whose reign will bring peace and justice, fulfilling the Davidic promise.

Jeremiah also speaks of a righteous Branch from David's line, who will "reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land" (Jeremiah 23:5). Similarly, Ezekiel envisions a future Davidic shepherd-king who will lead and care for God's people (Ezekiel 34:23-24).

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers identify Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the promise of one king. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that her son Jesus will be "great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever" (Luke 1:32-33). This declaration affirms Jesus as the promised king who fulfills the Davidic Covenant.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as the King who inaugurates God's kingdom on earth. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5).

In the book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose reign is eternal and unchallenged (Revelation 19:16). This eschatological vision underscores the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of one king, as Jesus establishes His eternal kingdom, bringing to completion the divine plan revealed throughout Scripture.