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.