What scriptural connections exist between Deuteronomy 17:13 and Romans 13:1-2 on authority? The Texts in View • Deuteronomy 17:13: “Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and they will no longer behave arrogantly.” • Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Shared Themes of Authority • God establishes human authority structures. • Submission is commanded as an act of obedience to God. • Judgment falls on those who defiantly reject legitimate authority. • Proper authority serves as a deterrent to sin and chaos. Divine Origin of Authority • In Deuteronomy, the authority is the priest or judge in Israel—directly appointed under the Law. • In Romans, Paul extends the principle to all civil authorities—kings, governors, magistrates (cf. Proverbs 8:15; Daniel 2:21). • Both passages affirm that resisting rightful authority equals resisting God Himself, because He is the One who ordained it. Purpose of Authority: Deterrence and Order • Deuteronomy 17:13 highlights fear as a healthy curb on arrogance and rebellion. • Romans 13:3-4 (context) calls rulers “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” • When authority functions properly, society is protected, evil is restrained, and God’s character of order shines through (1 Corinthians 14:33). The Heart Response God Seeks • Reverent fear: an internal posture that recognizes God behind human structures. • Humble submission: choosing to obey even when we may not personally agree, unless direct disobedience to God would result (Acts 5:29). • Repentance: Deuteronomy warns that arrogance must be rooted out; Romans warns that resistance brings judgment. Practical Takeaways for Today • View government as a God-given instrument, not a mere human invention. • Pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and honor them with words and actions (1 Peter 2:13-17). • Practice civil obedience unless commanded to sin; then obey God rather than men. • Let the sober warnings of both passages cultivate a respectful, law-abiding lifestyle that points others to the Lord who authored all true authority. |
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