Judge, Lawgiver, and King - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us.
Isaiah 33:22 NKJV

Judge, Lawgiver, and King
The language of the current Israeli media sounds quite different from this prophet's word. But when a remnant will have emerged from Israel, in the time of the seven-year tribulation, these faithful and steadfast ones will thus praise their God and Lord.

It is an almost poetic language the prophet chooses here; an enumeration which he concludes with a triumphant exclamation of confidence. He attributes three characteristics to God, which in current political systems are associated with the three powers in the state: the judicial, the legislative, and the executive.

The judge has to judge facts. The standard for his judgment is legislation. Whether there will be a conviction depends on the result of his investigation. The apostle Paul did all his ministry with this view of the Lord: "For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord" (1 Cor. 4:4). Let us never forget this!

The lawgiver, or legislator, fixes the standards that regulate life in the state. Every human legislation has its gaps and weaknesses. Nevertheless, we have to submit to the authorities—as long as they do not act contrary to the supremacy of God)—because they are "instituted by God" (Rom. 13:1 esv).

That Israel will also say one day, "the Lord our King," does not exactly reflect our Christian relationship with Him. But according to God's thought, the king is the one who is responsible in the state for carrying out the rights of God. In Israel, the king was required to submit all of his governance to the Law. In this way, he would rule in righteousness and ensure peace in his land. We experience this good authority and peace today when we personally submit to the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ as His disciples.

-- Frank Ulrich