How does 1 Kings 15:27 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority? Setting the Scene in 1 Kings 15:27 “Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against him, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, while Nadab and all Israel were besieging Gibbethon.” God’s Sovereignty in the Shift of Power • Jeroboam’s dynasty had already been condemned (1 Kings 14:14). • Baasha’s coup fulfills that word; God uses even an assassin to carry out divine judgment. • Scripture repeatedly affirms that the Lord “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21; cf. 1 Samuel 2:7). • Though Baasha acted wickedly (and would later be judged, 1 Kings 16:1-3), his new throne still functioned under God’s overarching rule. Romans 13:1—Authority’s Ultimate Source “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” Bringing the Two Passages Together • Origin of authority: Romans 13:1 states that every ruler is “appointed by God”; 1 Kings 15:27 shows that truth in action—God installs a new king through unexpected means. • Human responsibility: Baasha bears moral guilt for murder, yet God remains sovereign; both divine sovereignty and human accountability stand side by side (cf. Acts 2:23). • Legitimacy of rule: Once Baasha sits on the throne, Israel is still called to respect the king (Exodus 22:28; Ecclesiastes 8:2-3), because God has allowed him to reign. • Continuity of God’s plan: The dark methods of men cannot derail God’s redemptive timeline; He weaves even rebellion into His purposes (Proverbs 19:21). Lessons for Us Today • Respect authority not because leaders are flawless but because God is over all. • Pray for current leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2); God can guide even imperfect rulers. • Trust God’s justice—He judged Baasha later, and He will right every wrong in His time. • Submit to lawful authority unless commanded to sin (Acts 5:29), remembering God sets limits to earthly power. Additional Scriptures to Ponder |
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