Connect Deuteronomy 2:19 with Romans 13:1 on respecting authority and God's order. Setting the Scene: Two Passages, One Principle “When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” “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.” God’s Sovereignty over Nations and Boundaries (Deuteronomy 2:19) • Israel is marching toward Canaan, yet God halts them at Ammon’s border. • The land already belongs to Lot’s descendants because God deeded it to them. • Israel’s task: respect the boundary, avoid conflict, and trust God’s timing for their own inheritance. • This moment underlines a literal, geographic promise from the Lord—His word sets national lines. God’s Sovereignty over Human Government (Romans 13:1) • All governing authorities—kings, magistrates, presidents—exist by divine appointment. • To resist lawful authority is to resist the God who ordained that authority. • Paul roots this command not in human convention but in God’s unchanging order. Putting the Passages Together • Same Author, same principle: – Deuteronomy 2:19: “Respect the land I assigned to Ammon.” – Romans 13:1: “Respect the authority I assigned over you.” • Whether territory lines or governmental lines, God remains the One drawing them. • Israel’s obedience at Ammon’s border foreshadows the believer’s obedience to civil authority today. Scriptural Reinforcements • Daniel 2:21 — God “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” • Acts 17:26 — He “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” • 1 Peter 2:13-14 — “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” • 1 Timothy 2:1-2 — Pray for kings “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.” • 1 Samuel 24:5-7 — David spares Saul, honoring the Lord’s anointed even when Saul was unjust. Practical Takeaways for Today • Honor national borders and private property; God is still the Giver of lands. • Obey laws unless they directly contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29). • Speak respectfully of leaders, recognizing the office carries divine weight. • Engage in civic duties—voting, paying taxes, serving—without hostility (Romans 13:6-7). • Trust God’s ultimate governance when human authorities falter; He will judge righteously (Psalm 75:6-7). |
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