Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 19

King of kings and Lord of lords

Revelation 19:16

It is necessary to approach a great ruler in a humble manner. At the time of the Bible, people expressed their humble attitudes by humble actions. For example, they knelt down to give honour to a great ruler (Philippians 2:10).

Perhaps that is why Christ’s great title of honour is on his thigh (his upper leg). It is in a low position, so that people in a low position can read it. Perhaps the title appears on the clothes that cover his thigh. That part of his clothes would hang down by his side, as he rode his horse. Then everyone would see this declaration of his royal authority.

The title itself astonishes us. There are many rulers in this world, and many masters. Many people claim authority over other people. The same is true in the spirit world. There are many spirits that claim to have great authority (Luke 4:5-6; Ephesians 6:12). However, Christ’s authority is greater than them all. His title declares him to be ‘King of kings and Lord (master) of lords’. As King of kings, he has authority over every other king and ruler. As Lord of lords, he has authority over every master and every lord. Nobody can claim equal rank to him; nobody can stand against him.

God the Father has given this great authority to Christ. Philippians 2:6-11 explains the reason. It is because Christ, God’s Son, was so humble. Christ obeyed God the Father so completely that he (Christ) accepted death upon the cross, a shameful death. Christ did it so that God could forgive his people’s evil deeds. As Christ accepted the greatest shame, so God the Father is giving Christ the greatest honour. That will bring the greatest honour to God the Father, as 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 and Philippians 2:11 explain.

Next part: The terrible great meal upon the earth (Revelation 19:17-18)

 

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© 2016, Keith Simons.