The government will be a theocracy, with Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, ruling as King (Daniel 7:13, 14; Isaiah 49; Luke 1:32; 22:29) as a son of David (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:27). Humanly speaking, our Lord’s position as son of David was established through Joseph, who adopted him (Luke 3:23; Acts 2:30; 13:22, 23, 33; Hebrews 7:14; Romans 1:3; Revelation 5:5; 22:16). However, Mary was also of David’s descent. Succession in the kingly line was not altogether by birth, but by appointment.

There is a question as to whether the Lord Jesus Christ will exercise the government over Palestine directly or indirectly through a regent, even David himself (Isaiah 55:3,4; Jeremiah 30:9; 33:15,17,20,21; Ezekiel 34:23,24; 37:24,25; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11).Nobles and governors will reign under David (Jeremiah 30:21; Isaiah 32:1; Ezekiel 45:8, 9). Matthew 19:28 states that 12 disciples will rule over the 12 tribes of Israel, indicating there will be other subordinate rulers administering the government.

There will be even smaller subdivisions of authority (Luke 19:12-28) awarded for faithfulness (Isaiah 40:10; Zechariah 3:7). Judges will be raised up (Zechariah 3:7; Isaiah 1:26). Their authority will demonstrate the theocratic power of Christ to rule with inflexible righteousness and justice (Isaiah 11:3-5), to rule in the fullness of the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2, 3), and to rule universally (Daniel 7:14, 27). Any outbreak of sin will be dealt with summarily (Isaiah 11:4).