How does Ezra 7:26 connect with Romans 13:1-2 on authority? Opening the Texts Ezra 7:26: “Whoever does not comply with the law of your God and with the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him speedily, whether death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.” Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. So whoever resists the authority is opposing what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Divine Source of Authority • Both passages anchor civil authority in God Himself. – Ezra 7:26 assumes that “the law of the king” operates beside “the law of your God,” showing no tension when both align. – Romans 13:1 explicitly states that every authority “has been appointed by God.” • Proverbs 8:15 affirms this foundation: “By Me kings reign and rulers enact just laws.” God’s sovereignty undergirds every legitimate ruler. Authority as a Servant of God • In Ezra, King Artaxerxes’ decree supports temple worship and national order—functions that serve God’s purposes. • In Romans, rulers are “God’s servants for your good” (Romans 13:4). The New Testament clarifies the servant role implicit in Ezra’s decree. Consequences for Defiance • Ezra prescribes swift, tangible penalties—death, exile, fines, imprisonment—for rejecting either divine or royal law. • Paul warns that resisting God-appointed authority invites “judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:2). The principle is identical: defiance brings divine and civic repercussions. • 1 Peter 2:13-14 echoes this link between obedience and punishment, underscoring continuity across Scripture. Harmony of Old and New Testaments • Ezra illustrates civil obedience in post-exilic Judah; Romans instructs believers in the Roman Empire. Different eras, same principle. • Both recognize a dual allegiance—first to God, then to earthly rulers—without contradiction when rulers uphold justice. • Acts 5:29 (“We must obey God rather than men”) shows the one boundary: if human law commands sin, God’s higher law prevails. Neither Ezra nor Romans overturn this hierarchy. Practical Takeaways • Honor governmental laws that do not violate God’s commands. • See civic order as a gracious gift, not merely a human invention. • Understand that accountability to authorities ultimately means accountability to God. • Respecting rulers is an act of worship when it aligns with Scripture’s directives. |
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