This week in our meeting Dr. Rydelink, one of MBI's Jewish studies professors, shared with us about "The King of Israel." Much was to be learned from him about the concept of kingship throughout the history of Israel (as well as many of us probably realizing we should brush up on our Old Testament history).
He gave us a really helpful outline (and all the "Type A's" cheered inside) defining the three leadership offices in Israel: prophet, priest and king (more to come on the other two later in the semester). The prophets received messages from the Lord, and the priests instruct the people about God and mediate the people to God. It was possible for someone to be both priest and prophet but history will tell us through King Saul, it is not possible for a man to be both priest and king (see the disastrous results of this in 1 Samuel 13).
This lesson was rich in so many other respects as he discussed the beauty of the covenant God made with David and the "perfect king" notion that came to be the standard by which all future kings were compared.
However, as Dr. Rydelnik was going along, he wove a theme throughout--the rightful kingship and priesthood of Jesus.
--Zechariah 6:14 says: "Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."--
Although the Old Testament closes with the people in exile, there is still hope that the promised Son of David will come, one that will be a priest while sitting on His throne. And come He does with the proclamation "I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star" (Revelation 22:16).
