Melek, Our King

ByCarolyn E. Jacobs

Many Jewish prayers start this way:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam

It means, Blessed are you, oh Lord our God, King of the Universe

This makes my heart sing.

This week’s name in Ann Spangler’s study, Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks, is Melek, King. The concept of a monarchy goes against the American grain. We tossed King George’s fetters off and never looked back. Monarchs, as all humans, are flawed. We’ve got lots of examples of kings unfit to rule, be they biblical, otherwise historical, or modern.

Yahweh warned us. Through the prophet Samuel, he said that the king would oppress the people and take the best of their land. Those who had asked for a king would regret it.

Because only God, himself, can rule perfectly.

But what attributes, according to our Melek, should a king have?

Psalm 72, ascribed to King Solomon, was possibly his coronation psalm. In fact, the last verse says. “The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.” Was this David’s prayer for his son’s legacy?

This Psalm lays out what a good king should aspire to, who our God is. Check it out.

I’ll get you started.

  • He judges with righteousness and justice
  • His administration brings peace
  • He vindicates the afflicted
  • He crushes the oppressor

 

Ann Spangler poses a great question:

How would the world be different if today’s rulers reflected the values expressed in Psalm 72?

Don’t you long for a king like that? We have one!

This Psalm has messianic implications – ones we’ll explore when we get to the New Testament names.

For now, rest in this:

Yahweh rules as king.

Let the earth rejoice.

Let all the islands be joyful.

-Psalm 97:1, Names of God version

 

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