Topical Bible: King: Called King of Kings

◄ King: Called King of Kings ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "King of Kings" is a significant designation found within the biblical narrative, attributed to both earthly rulers and, most importantly, to God and Jesus Christ. This title underscores supreme authority and ultimate sovereignty, reflecting a hierarchy where the bearer of the title reigns over all other kings and rulers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the title "King of Kings" is used to describe powerful earthly monarchs, such as Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. In the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar is addressed as "king of kings" by Daniel, who acknowledges the king's vast dominion and power granted by God: "You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory" (Daniel 2:37). This usage highlights the temporal authority bestowed upon human rulers by divine providence.

Divine Sovereignty

The title takes on a more profound meaning when applied to God Himself. In the Old Testament, God is recognized as the ultimate ruler over all the earth. In Deuteronomy 10:17, God is described as "the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God," which parallels the concept of being the "King of Kings." This emphasizes God's unparalleled authority and His role as the supreme ruler over all creation.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the title "King of Kings" is most prominently associated with Jesus Christ, affirming His divine authority and eternal reign. The book of Revelation presents a vivid depiction of Christ's ultimate victory and sovereignty. Revelation 17:14 declares, "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers" . This passage highlights Christ's preeminence and His role as the victorious ruler over all earthly and spiritual powers.

Further, Revelation 19:16 describes the triumphant return of Christ, stating, "And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" . This imagery underscores the majesty and authority of Christ as the ultimate sovereign, whose reign is eternal and unchallenged.

Theological Significance

The title "King of Kings" as applied to Jesus Christ carries deep theological significance. It affirms His divinity, His fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and His role as the ultimate ruler who will establish God's kingdom in its fullness. This title assures believers of Christ's supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual realms, providing hope and confidence in His ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In summary, the title "King of Kings" serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty and majesty of God and Jesus Christ. It reflects the biblical theme of divine authority over all creation and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
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Ezekiel 26:7
For thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring on Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
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Daniel 2:37
You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
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Library

The Two Boy Kings.
... Then the king called all the chief men of Judah, and the ... but they were ready to follow
the king in making ... no passover in all the history of the kings of Judah ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

The History after the Flood.
... And in these days, Pharaoh, who by the Egyptians was also called Nechaoth, was
first king of Egypt, and thus the kings followed in succession. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

The King in his Beauty
... And He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True; and in ... shall be preceded by
the last battle and crowning victory of the King of kings, the Conqueror ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm

King Edwin, Therefore, with all the Nobility of the Nation...
... a church which the pagans, by whom King Edwin was ... Instead of this royal seat the
later kings built themselves a township in the country called Loidis ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xiv king edwin therefore.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... of David's house, after it had endured four hundred and four years under twenty
kings. ... They came forth when the king called them; and he was so much astonished ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains.
... And further, if the Creator and Lord of all things is called also King of Kings
and Lord of Lords [2470] and God of Gods, surely also the saints are gods and ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xv concerning the honour due.htm

Of the Kingdom of the Soul
... be crowned with a crown that is called charity. The crown and the kingdom shall
be received from the Emperor, Who is Lord and Master and King of kings; and the ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxiv of the kingdom.htm

How King Edwin's Next Successors Lost Both the Faith of their ...
... agreed, in reckoning the dates of the kings, to abolish ... This king, after the death
of his brother Eanfrid ... could withstand, was slain at a place called in the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap i how king edwins.htm

How when King Penda was Slain, the Province of the Mercians ...
... was abbot of the monastery that is called Ingetlingum, and ... he also was kinsman to
the slaughtered king; in which ... for the eternal welfare of the kings, both of ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiv how when king.htm

Of the Hundred and Forty-four Thousand Sealed, who were virgins ...
... shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, (for he is Lord
of lords and King of kings,) and they who are with him, are called, and chosen ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism iv of the hundred.htm