Topical Encyclopedia The concept of a king's reaction in the Bible often reflects the immediate response of a monarch to events, prophecies, or divine interventions. These reactions can reveal the character, faith, and leadership qualities of the king, as well as the spiritual and political climate of the time.1. King Saul's Reaction to David: King Saul's reaction to David is a poignant example of jealousy and fear. Initially, Saul welcomes David into his service after David defeats Goliath (1 Samuel 18:2). However, as David's popularity grows, Saul becomes increasingly envious and fearful of losing his throne. Saul's reaction is marked by paranoia and hostility, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8-9: "Then Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David." 2. King David's Reaction to Nathan's Rebuke: King David's reaction to the prophet Nathan's rebuke over his sin with Bathsheba is a model of repentance. When Nathan confronts David with his wrongdoing, David responds with humility and contrition, acknowledging his sin against the Lord. In 2 Samuel 12:13, David says to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." This reaction leads to David's heartfelt repentance, as expressed in Psalm 51, demonstrating a king's capacity for humility and seeking God's forgiveness. 3. King Solomon's Reaction to God's Offer: King Solomon's reaction to God's offer of anything he desires is a testament to his wisdom and priorities. When God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything he wishes, Solomon asks for wisdom to govern the people effectively. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon requests, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." This reaction pleases God, who grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom, along with wealth and honor. 4. King Hezekiah's Reaction to Assyrian Threats: King Hezekiah's reaction to the threats from the Assyrian king Sennacherib is characterized by faith and reliance on God. Faced with a formidable enemy, Hezekiah seeks the Lord's guidance and prays for deliverance. In 2 Kings 19:15-19, Hezekiah prays, "O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth." His reaction demonstrates trust in God's sovereignty and results in divine intervention, as the angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army. 5. King Josiah's Reaction to the Book of the Law: King Josiah's reaction upon hearing the Book of the Law is one of profound repentance and reform. When the book is discovered during temple repairs, Josiah tears his clothes in distress, realizing how far the nation has strayed from God's commandments. In 2 Kings 22:11, it is recorded, "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes." Josiah's reaction leads to a nationwide revival and a renewed covenant with the Lord. 6. King Nebuchadnezzar's Reaction to Daniel's Interpretation: King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction to Daniel's interpretation of his dream reveals a journey from pride to humility. Initially, Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by his dream and seeks understanding. Daniel interprets the dream, predicting the king's temporary downfall due to pride. In Daniel 4:34-37, after experiencing the fulfillment of the prophecy, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God's sovereignty, saying, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just." These examples illustrate the varied responses of kings in the Bible, highlighting themes of pride, repentance, faith, and divine intervention. Each reaction serves as a lesson in leadership and the importance of aligning with God's will. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |