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Question on the Jews and having a king

February 4th, 2016
Wendyl Leslie

February 3, 2016

Question for the group: “When did the Jews stop having their own king and why?”

I don’t know how to answer that question. However, I’ve always thought the Jews were still awaiting the arrival of the Messiah to become their king and ruler. Any thoughts on this question would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much!

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Comments
Evan Plante
Evan Plante (From the hip)… it seems to be the natural result of the captivities. They never re-assumed their national critical mass… but I can’t remember any Scripture where God said that he specifically caused kingless-ness.

Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 6:13am
Jason Finch
Adam Davis
Adam Davis The return from captivity began in approx. 537 B.C. Alexander came in approx. 329 B.C. No evidence of a monarchy being established during the interim. The leader of the Jews who greeted Alexander was a respected priest.

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 6:32am
Christopher Dupre
Christopher Dupre Zedekiah was the last from the house of David. Babylonian destruction and captivity ended his reign. Antigonus II Mattathias ended the Hasmonian rule (starting with the rebellion against Greece where Jerusalem gained its 100 year independence and where Hanukkah has its roots). After his defeat, Herod the Great took over from there. No more kings. Jews still believe the next king will be the Messiah.

Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 6:40am
Cory Carwile
Cory Carwile This isn’t an area of expertise for me, but the Jews still view themselves as being a state of exile (as, even when living in their own land, they were ruled over by other nations), and thus it is inappropriate to have a king. The few kings to be placed over Israel (the Herods, for example) were just vassal kings subservient to larger empires, and the kings weren’t even from the Davidic line. And lets not forget that there hasn’t been a state of Israel to have a king over for most of the time since the first century A.D.

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 8:24am
Barbara Ann Reynolds
Barbara Ann Reynolds Ezekiel only accepted Jehoiachin as the legitimate king. Zedekiah was appointed by Nebuchadnezzer. The dates found in Ezekiel (prophesying from Babylon) are based on Jehoichin’s reign. He reigned only 3 months when taken captive by Neb to Babylon. Zedikiah was the uncle of Jehoichin, so he was from the line of David. 2 Kings 24.

Like · Reply · 3 · Yesterday at 9:32am
Christopher Dupre
Christopher Dupre That’s an important distinction. Ezekiel never calls Zedekiah ‘king’. Scripture does say that Zedekiah became king and reigned for 11 years, however. But, I’m beginning to see the significance of the question. That’s what I love about answering them! “Oh! That’s what he’s getting at!”

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 11:06am
Patrick Thompson
Patrick Thompson Zedekiah was the last king of Israel. After the Babylonian captivity, the Jews never had a king, only governors, as they were under the dominion of other kings. The Herod kings of Jesus’ time were not of the line of David and were appointed by the Roman Caesar. Israel had lost their kingdom and have never regained it. Yet rest assured the promise of God about the kingdom and the throne are still valid though circumstances have change as to how they are still valid. Daniel makes it clear that the kingdom will be given to the “people of the saints of the Most High..” Dan. 7:27. Galatians 3:29, makes it clear that ALL who make Jesus king of their lives will inherit the promises to Abraham as they will be counted the seed of Abraham. Just as important as this promise is the promise of the royal throne of David.

Like · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs
Wendyl Leslie
Wendyl Leslie Many thanks to my GQ writers and friends for helping me with my question. I always know I can count on you. What a truly blessed ministry we are.

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