5: Kingship and Anointing (Melek and Mashiach)
1. Terms:
- Melek (מֶלֶךְ) — King
- Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) — Anointed One
2. Historical-Cultural Context:
- Kingship in ancient Israel was not just political but deeply religious; kings were God’s anointed representatives on earth.
- Anointing with oil symbolized divine selection and empowerment for kings, priests, and sometimes prophets.
- The concept of Mashiach originally referred to any anointed person but became specifically associated with the expected future deliverer.
- The king was expected to uphold justice (mishpat) and lead in faithfulness to the covenant.
3. Biblical Examples and Notes:
- 1 Samuel 10:1 — Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first king.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 — God’s covenant with David promises an eternal dynasty.
- Prophetic literature, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, speaks of a coming Mashiach who will bring salvation and justice.
4. Cultural Significance:
- Anointing signified God’s endorsement and the king’s sacred role.
- The expectation of the Mashiach shaped Jewish hope and messianic expectation.
- Kingship and anointing rituals connected political leadership with divine authority and eschatological hope.