1 Sam 15:28 & Rom 13:1: God's sovereignty?
How does 1 Samuel 15:28 connect with God's sovereignty in Romans 13:1?

Setting the Scene in 1 Samuel 15:28

• Samuel confronts Saul after Saul’s partial obedience concerning the Amalekites.

• “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you.” (1 Samuel 15:28)

• Key truth: God Himself removes Saul; the transfer of power is not a human coup but a divine act.


The Principle Declared in Romans 13:1

• “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.” (Romans 13:1)

• Paul states that every earthly ruler owes his position to God’s appointment.

• Sovereignty is comprehensive—covering kings, governors, emperors, presidents, and even local officials.


Connecting the Dots: One Story, One Sovereign

1. Same Author, Same Authority

– The LORD who “tore” Saul’s throne is the same LORD who “appoints” every ruler in Paul’s day.

– Scripture presents a consistent picture: God actively places leaders in office and removes them at will.

2. Sovereignty Expressed Negatively and Positively

1 Samuel 15:28 shows God’s negative act: removing a disobedient king.

Romans 13:1 shows God’s positive act: installing and sustaining governing powers.

– Together, they show both sides of His rule—He gives and He takes away (Job 1:21).

3. Accountability and Submission

– Saul loses the throne because he ignored God’s command, proving rulers are accountable to the Sovereign above them (cf. Psalm 2:10-12).

– Subjects must submit to authorities (Romans 13:1-2) because resisting them is ultimately resisting God, who ordained them.

– God’s supremacy means both ruler and ruled live under His hand.


Supporting Scriptural Echoes

Daniel 2:21: “He removes kings and establishes them.”

Psalm 75:6-7: “Exaltation does not come from the east or the west… God is the Judge; He brings down one and exalts another.”

Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”


Implications for Today

• Comfort: No election, coup, or revolution overturns God’s ultimate plan; He remains on the throne.

• Humility: Leaders serve at God’s pleasure; like Saul, they can be removed.

• Obedience: Believers honor rulers, not because rulers are flawless, but because God is sovereign.

• Vigilance: When a leader defies God, the faithful trust that the same God who “tore” Saul’s kingdom can act again in His time and way.


Summary Snapshot

1 Samuel 15:28 illustrates God’s right to depose; Romans 13:1 affirms His right to dispose. Taken together, they showcase a single, seamless doctrine: the LORD alone is King of kings, orchestrating the rise and fall of every earthly power for His righteous purposes.

What lessons can we learn about leadership from 1 Samuel 15:28?
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