Topical Bible: King by an Oath

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The concept of a "King by an Oath" in the biblical context primarily refers to the divine appointment and confirmation of a king through a solemn promise or covenant, often involving an oath made by God Himself. This notion underscores the belief that true kingship is not merely a matter of human lineage or political maneuvering but is established and legitimized by divine decree.

Davidic Covenant and the Oath to David

One of the most significant examples of a king established by an oath is King David. The Davidic Covenant, as recorded in the Scriptures, is a divine promise made by God to David, ensuring that his lineage would endure forever and that his throne would be established eternally. This covenant is highlighted in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises David, "When your days are complete and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom."

The Psalms further emphasize this divine oath. Psalm 89:3-4 states, "You said, 'I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.'" This oath signifies God's unbreakable promise to David, affirming the legitimacy and divine sanction of his kingship and that of his descendants.

The Messianic Fulfillment

The concept of a king by an oath finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David. The New Testament writers present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the eternal King whose reign is established by God's oath. In Luke 1:32-33 , the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, "He 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. His kingdom will never end!"

The book of Hebrews also reflects on the idea of Jesus as a king established by an oath, particularly in His role as a priest-king in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:21 states, "but He became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: 'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’" This passage highlights the eternal and unchangeable nature of Christ's kingship and priesthood, rooted in the divine oath.

Solomon and the Oath to David

Solomon, the son of David, is another example of a king whose reign was established by an oath. Although Solomon's ascension to the throne involved political intrigue and human actions, it was ultimately seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to David. In 1 Kings 1:29-30 , David himself affirms this divine oath: "As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place."

Theological Implications

The concept of a king by an oath carries profound theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the establishment of leadership and governance, affirming that true authority is derived from divine will rather than human ambition. This principle is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, where God's promises and covenants play a central role in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

In summary, the idea of a "King by an Oath" in the Bible highlights the divine origin and legitimacy of kingship, as seen in the promises made to David and their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This concept serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenants.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 11:4
And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king's son.
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Library

The Last King of Judah
... As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that
made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

King Herod's Enrollment
... It is natural that, when the king was degraded to the rank of a subject, his people
should be constrained to take the oath of allegiance to Caesar, in place of ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 9 king herods enrollment.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... be obedient to the king, and take care of his safety, and of the safety of his
government; after which he obliged the king to give security [upon oath] that he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

That the King of Babylon Repented of Making Jehoiachin King, and ...
... but I am afraid now to speak the truth, lest thou shouldst condemn me to die." And
when the king had assured him upon oath, that he would neither himself put ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 that the king.htm

From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
... an oath lawful it is necessary that what we swear be true, and that there be a
sufficient cause for taking an oath. ... King Herod was leading a sinful life, and St ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 32 from the second.htm

The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... It was wicked, they said, of Rudolph II. to sign such a monstrous document; but
it was not wicked for the new King to take the oath to keep it. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the downfall 1616-1621.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their
sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.27. And ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the martyrdom of john.htm

On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ...
... And the king pronounced judgment upon him in wrath, because he had violated the
oath of the Lord, and the agreement he had made with him; and he slew his sons ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel i preface by.htm

O Christ, Thou Art My King,
... 6,6,6,6,8,8. O Christ, Thou art my King,. Thy cause I make mine own,. All that I
have I bring,. To lay before Thy throne; The oath of fealty now I take,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xxiv o christ thou art.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... Baptist's head in a charger.9. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's
sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm