Where is the King of Israel?

One might answer the question “Where is the King of Israel?” by saying, “I know of that tiny sliver of land in the Middle East called Israel. I am also aware that Israel is a democracy whose leader has the title of Prime Minister, and whose legislative body is referred to as the Knesset. Where are we directed to concern ourselves with Israel’s King?” In the Tenach – the Hebrew Scriptures, the Bible states that Adonai, the LORD, chose King David and his descendants to rule over Israel FOREVER.

God, speaking to David through the prophet Nathan, declares,

“Your house and your kingdom will endure FOREVER before me; your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7: 16.

On the basis of the aforementioned Scripture, an Orthodox rabbi, quoted in the American press, states authoritatively,

“The one indubitable genealogical factor is that the Messiah must be a descendant of the House of David.”

The rabbis view the prophecies concerning the eternal kingdom and throne of David as being fulfilled when Messiah, the son of David, assumes that rule.

The God of Israel, concerned that through spiritual neglect his people were scattered over the whole earth, makes this startling declaration over 400 years after the death of King David:

“I myself will search for my sheep (i.e. the dispersed Jewish People) and look after them. I will save my flock and they will no longer be plundered. I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; He will tend them and be their shepherd. I, Adonai, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.” Ezekiel 34:11, 22-24

If God promised David about 1000 BCE that his throne would be established FOREVER…who is in that place of authority as Israel’s King now?

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