Topical Encyclopedia The concept of divine sovereignty in the appointment of kings is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the belief that God exercises ultimate authority over human governance. This theme underscores the idea that earthly rulers are established by God's will and purpose, serving as instruments to fulfill His divine plan.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's direct involvement in the appointment of kings. In 1 Samuel 9:16-17, God reveals to the prophet Samuel that Saul is to be anointed as the first king of Israel: "At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel. He will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon My people, for their cry has come to Me." This passage illustrates God's active role in selecting leaders for His people. Similarly, the anointing of David as king is another instance of divine appointment. In 1 Samuel 16:1, the LORD instructs Samuel to anoint David, saying, "Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons." Despite David's humble beginnings, God's choice emphasizes His sovereign will over human criteria. Divine Sovereignty and Human Authority The book of Daniel further emphasizes God's control over earthly kingdoms. Daniel 2:21 declares, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." This verse highlights the transient nature of human authority and the enduring sovereignty of God, who orchestrates the rise and fall of rulers according to His divine purpose. In Daniel 4:17, the decree of the watchers states, "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whom He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." This passage reinforces the belief that God appoints leaders, sometimes choosing the least expected individuals to fulfill His plans. New Testament Affirmations The New Testament continues to affirm God's sovereignty in the appointment of rulers. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, stating, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is 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." This passage underscores the divine origin of governmental authority and the responsibility of believers to respect and obey it. In John 19:11, Jesus acknowledges God's sovereignty in His conversation with Pontius Pilate: "You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin." Here, Jesus recognizes that Pilate's authority is granted by God, even in the context of His impending crucifixion. Theological Implications The biblical narrative of God's involvement in the appointment of kings carries significant theological implications. It affirms the belief in God's providential care and His active role in human history. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when earthly rulers and governments appear flawed or unjust. Furthermore, the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over rulers serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability of all leaders to divine authority. It calls for humility and a recognition that human power is temporary and subject to God's eternal kingdom. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:14Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 16:1-4 1 Chronicles 28:4,5 1 Chronicles 29:25 Psalm 22:28 Library The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ... Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers? Of Civil Government. The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ... The Historical Books. The First Kings. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833. Mordecai and Esther Baptists. Resources What is the dispensation of Human Government? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times? | GotQuestions.org If getting married would cause financial issues due to government regulations, is it acceptable for a couple to have a spiritual marriage, but not a legal marriage? | GotQuestions.org Government: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Communism: General Scriptures Concerning Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Government: Civil Service School Provided By Government: Corruption in Felix, Who Expected Money from Paul Government: Duty of Citizens To Government: Executive officers of Tribes and Cities Government: God In in Appointment of Saul As King Government: God In in Blotting out the Household of Jeroboam Government: God In in Counseling Solomon Government: God In in Denouncing Solomon's Wickedness Government: God In in Dividing the Jewish Nation Into Two Different Countries Government: God In in Magnifying Him Government: God In in Raising Adversaries Against Solomon Government: God In in Saul's Rejection Government: God In in the Appointment of David Government: God In in the Appointment of Kings Government: God In in the Destruction of Nations Government: Maintains of Public Instruction Government: Monarchical by Ahasuerus Government: Monarchical by David Government: Monarchical by Herod Government: Monarchical by Nebuchadnezzar Government: Monarchical by Saul Government: Monarchical by Solomon Government: Mosaic: Accepted, and Agreed To, the Law Given by Moses Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Government: Mosaic: Among the Egyptians Government: Mosaic: Among the Gibeonites Government: Mosaic: Among the Midianites and Moabites Government: Mosaic: Assists Solomon at the Dedication of the Temple Government: Mosaic: Chooses David As King Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated With David Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated With Moses and Subsequent Leaders Government: Mosaic: Counsels King Ahab Government: Mosaic: Counsels King Rehoboam Government: Mosaic: David Rebukes Government: Mosaic: Demands a King Government: Mosaic: Joins Absalom in his Usurpation Government: Mosaic: Josiah Assembles to Hear the Law of the Lord Government: Mosaic: Legislates in Later Times Government: Mosaic: Legislates With Ezra in Reforming Certain Marriages With the Heathen Government: Mosaic: Possessed Veto Power Over the King's Purposes Government: Mosaic: Refused to Make Conquest of Canaan Government: Mosaic: Saul Pleads to be Honored Before Government: Mosaic: Seeks Counsel from Prophets Government: Mosaic: Sits As a Court Government: Mosaic: The Court in Certain Capital Cases Government: Mosaic: Unfaithful to the City Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Government: Paternal Functions of Government: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to God In Related Terms |
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