17 “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. 18 He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:17–18)
Midst a string of epithets for God, we find the well-known phrase “Lord of lords.” Handel’s Messiah comes to mind, the great climax reiterating as the Hallelujah chorus crescendos, “King of kings and Lord of lords. And He shall reign forever and ever.” It was nothing short of inspired. That chorus is deeply rooted in Scripture as applied to the Lord Jesus:
“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Rev 17:14)
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:16)
Paul writes of Jesus, “…who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim 6:15). The psalmist proclaims, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Ps 136:3).
In the second reading of the Law, namely the book of Deuteronomy (the term “deuteronomy” means “second-law”), we see this epithet in connection with God’s impartial authority in judgment. Because He is Lord (Heb: Adonai) of lords, He will judge human beings, in particular concerning how we treat the disadvantaged among us. The Lord of lords is concerned about “the orphan and the widow … the alien.” In the ancient world, protection and physical security came from one’s family relationship. This would leave orphans and widows (which were many because of the continual wars in the ancient world) defenseless and vulnerable to any strong man who came along. The law mandated that God’s people take care of, provide for and protect those who were disadvantaged or defenseless.
Even in our world today, with many laws and governmental agencies, many women are abused, harassed, treated unfairly. Children suffer greatly at the hands of merciless, self-centered adults or even bullying by others. The Lord of lords is our judge. Did not even Jesus say that in the last judgment, the sheep would be separated from the goats based on how they treated “the least of these my brothers” (Matt 25:31-46)?
Lord of lords, I confess my neglect of some in my circle of contacts whom I have neglected, who need a defender and protector and a helper.
0 Comments