Topical Bible: Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated With David

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The concept of government within the context of the Mosaic Law and its association with King David is a significant theme in the biblical narrative. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites through Moses, established a theocratic system where God was recognized as the ultimate authority. This system laid the foundation for governance in Israel, influencing the reign of King David, who is often regarded as one of the most pivotal figures in the history of Israel.

Mosaic Law and Governance

The Mosaic Law, as detailed in the Pentateuch, provided comprehensive guidelines for the social, religious, and political life of the Israelites. It encompassed commandments, statutes, and ordinances that were intended to govern the community in a manner that reflected God's holiness and justice. The law included provisions for leadership, justice, and the administration of society, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and obedience to God.

In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the Mosaic Law anticipates the establishment of a monarchy, providing specific instructions for the king. The king was to be chosen by God, from among the Israelites, and was required to adhere strictly to the law. He was to write for himself a copy of the law, read it all his life, and follow it diligently to ensure that his heart would not be lifted above his brethren and that he would not turn aside from the commandments.

David's Reign and the Mosaic Influence

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his deep faith and his role in uniting the tribes of Israel. His reign is often seen as a fulfillment of the theocratic ideals set forth in the Mosaic Law. David's leadership was marked by a commitment to God's covenant and a desire to establish a kingdom that honored God's statutes.

David's respect for the Mosaic Law is evident in his actions and decisions. He sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing the city as the religious and political center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:12-15). This act symbolized the centrality of God's presence and law in the life of the nation. David's psalms often reflect his reverence for God's law and his desire to lead the people in righteousness (Psalm 19:7-11).

David's Administration and Judicial Reforms

Under David's leadership, the administration of justice and governance was closely aligned with the principles of the Mosaic Law. David appointed judges and officials to ensure that justice was administered fairly throughout the land. His commitment to justice is highlighted in 2 Samuel 8:15, which states, "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people."

David's reign also included military conquests and the expansion of Israel's territory, which were seen as part of God's promise to establish Israel as a great nation. Despite his military focus, David's governance was characterized by a desire to uphold the law and maintain the covenant relationship with God.

Challenges and Failures

While David's reign is often celebrated for its adherence to the Mosaic ideals, it was not without challenges and failures. David's personal sins, such as his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11), demonstrated a departure from the law's standards. However, David's repentance and acknowledgment of his sins, as recorded in Psalm 51, reflect his ultimate submission to God's authority and the law.

David's life and reign illustrate the complexities of human leadership under divine law. His account serves as a testament to the enduring influence of the Mosaic Law on the governance of Israel and the role of the king as both a political and spiritual leader.

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2 Samuel 12:17
And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
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1 Chronicles 15:25
So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.
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1 Chronicles 21:16
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.
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Library

James the Brother of the Lord.
... law of liberty," [335] thus connecting it very closely with the Mosaic dispensation,
yet ... the Lord's time even to our own, received the government of the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The Education of the World.
... spiritual religion than the original Mosaic system ... But even these, when closely examined,
appear, like the ... liturgies, and forms of church government and systems ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... and a tax-gatherer under the Roman government, Matt.10 ... commencement of the first
chapter is closely connected with ... on the question of imposing the Mosaic law on ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... influence is markedly absent from the Mosaic Code, we ... empire, and though for a time
the government held its ... The Scyths had followed closely on the footsteps of ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... it may be said that during the pre-Mosaic period the ... of the Adversary, or the Satan,
is closely related to ... if he wish to give his land good government, let him ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

The Origin of Species.
... compounded of two distinct species, seems closely allied to ... as a consular agent of
the French Government in various ... as those of many a "Mosaic Geology," which ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

Footnotes
... system of morality which is still associated with his ... who presided on that occasion
was Mr. David Dickson, who ... not, De concursu, &c, but one closely allied to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... was undertaken by the Roman Government during the ... of Greek philosophy to the Mosaic
dispensation and ... most important of all the Gnostics closely connected with ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Summa Theologica
... TREATISE ON THE CONSERVATION AND GOVERNMENT OF CREATURES (QQ{103}-119). ... Whether the
end of the government of the world is something outside the world? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... looking to this example it becomes us also to advance nothing daunted to the second
part of our labours, but as far as possible to imitate David's valour, and ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm