How does Romans 13:1 relate to the obedience shown in 2 Kings 10:5? Setting the Scene • Romans 13:1 calls believers to recognize that every governing authority is established by God. • 2 Kings 10:5 records Samaria’s leaders surrendering to Jehu’s newly asserted rule, promising, “We are your servants, and we will do anything you say”. • Both passages illustrate the principle that legitimate authority, once manifest, requires submission. The Call to Submit: 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.” • God stands behind earthly structures of rule. • Submission is not optional; it is commanded. • The verse grounds political obedience in divine sovereignty, not human merit. Historical Snapshot: Obedience in 2 Kings 10:5 “So the palace administrator, the city governor, the elders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: ‘We are your servants, and we will do anything you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.’” • Jehu has just executed judgment on Ahab’s line (2 Kings 9–10). • Samaria’s leaders recognize God’s hand in Jehu’s rise (see 2 Kings 9:6–10). • Their swift submission averts bloodshed and aligns them with God’s newly appointed ruler. Parallels Between the Two Passages • Source of Authority – Romans 13:1: Authority is “appointed by God.” – 2 Kings 10:5: Jehu’s authority stems from the Lord’s prophetic word (2 Kings 9:6–10). • Proper Response – Romans: “Submit.” – 2 Kings: “We are your servants…we will do anything you say.” • Purpose of Submission – Romans: Uphold order and restrain evil (cf. 13:3–4). – 2 Kings: Preserve the nation and avoid futile resistance. • Demonstration of Faith – Obedience to governing powers reflects trust in God’s governance over history. Key Takeaways for Today • Recognize God’s sovereignty in every level of civil authority—even imperfect rulers (Daniel 2:21). • Obedience honors God unless the authorities command clear disobedience to Him (Acts 5:29). • Submission promotes peace and stability, mirroring the good order God desires (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • The heart attitude matters: Samaria’s leaders pledged willing service, not grudging compliance. Further Scriptural Echoes • 1 Peter 2:13–14—“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…”. • Proverbs 21:1—“The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.”. • Titus 3:1—“Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient…”. God’s consistent call—then and now—is clear: honor His established authorities, trusting His wisdom in placing them and His power to work through them. |
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