Which other scriptures warn against mistreating leaders like in Lamentations 5:12? Lamentations 5:12—The Tragic Picture “Princes were hung up by their hands; elders received no respect.” Why God Speaks So Strongly • Leaders are His appointed servants (Romans 13:1) • Dishonor toward them ultimately dishonors the God who placed them (Exodus 22:28) • Mistreating authority invites judgment, as Lamentations graphically illustrates. Old-Testament Warnings • Exodus 22:28 – “You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” • Numbers 12:1–10 – Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses; God strikes Miriam with leprosy. • Deuteronomy 17:12 – “The man who acts presumptuously… must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.” • 1 Samuel 24:6 – “Far be it from me… to stretch out my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed.” • 2 Samuel 1:14-16 – David executes the Amalekite who claimed to kill Saul. • 1 Chronicles 16:22 / Psalm 105:15 – “Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm.” • Proverbs 24:21 – “Fear the LORD and the king, and do not join those who rebel.” • Ecclesiastes 10:20 – “Do not curse the king even in your thoughts…” New-Testament Echoes • Acts 23:5 – Paul quotes Exodus 22:28 when he realizes he spoke ill of the high priest. • Romans 13:1-2 – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities… whoever resists authority is opposing God’s ordinance.” • 1 Timothy 5:17-19 – “Elders who lead well are worthy of double honor… Do not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” • Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls…” • 1 Peter 2:13-17 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority…” • Jude 8-10 & 2 Peter 2:10 – False teachers “despise authority” and are condemned for it. Take-Home Insights • Scripture consistently links contempt for leaders with contempt for God. • The Lord defends His appointed servants and disciplines those who harm or slander them. • Honoring leadership—civil and spiritual—is a direct expression of honoring the Lord who established order for our good. |
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