Government: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to God In
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The concept of government in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing divine sovereignty, human authority, and the interplay between the two. Scripture provides numerous insights into how God interacts with and establishes governments, as well as the responsibilities of rulers and citizens.

Divine Sovereignty and Authority

God is depicted as the ultimate sovereign ruler over all creation. His authority surpasses all earthly powers, and He is portrayed as the one who establishes and deposes rulers according to His divine will. In Daniel 2:21 , it is written, "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 underscores God's control over political affairs and His role in the rise and fall of leaders.

Human Government as Ordained by God

The Bible acknowledges human government as an institution ordained by God to maintain order and justice. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself 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 emphasizes the divine origin of governmental authority and the duty of believers to respect and submit to it.

The Role of Rulers

Scripture outlines the responsibilities of rulers to govern justly and righteously. Proverbs 29:4 declares, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." This highlights the importance of justice in leadership and the impact of governance on societal stability. Additionally, rulers are called to act as God's servants for the good of the people, as seen in Romans 13:4 : "For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer."

The Responsibility of Citizens

Believers are instructed to respect and pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This call to prayer reflects the importance of seeking divine guidance and blessing for leaders, contributing to a peaceful and godly society.

God's Kingdom and Earthly Governments

While earthly governments are recognized, the Bible also points to the ultimate reign of God's kingdom. Jesus taught about the coming of God's kingdom, which transcends all human rule. In Matthew 6:10 , part of the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This prayer reflects the hope and anticipation of God's perfect rule being established on earth.

The Limitations of Human Government

Scripture acknowledges the limitations and imperfections of human governments. Psalm 146:3 advises, "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save." This verse serves as a reminder that ultimate trust and hope should be placed in God rather than in fallible human leaders.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, as the King of Kings, exemplifies perfect leadership and governance. His life and teachings provide a model for righteous authority and sacrificial service. In John 18:36 , Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm." This statement highlights the distinct nature of Christ's kingdom and His approach to power and authority.

These scriptures collectively offer a comprehensive view of government in relation to God's sovereignty, the role of human authority, and the responsibilities of both rulers and citizens within the biblical narrative.
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Psalm 22:28
For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.
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Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
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Isaiah 9:6,7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
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Jeremiah 1:9,10
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
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Jeremiah 18:6-10
O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? said the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
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Jeremiah 25:12-33
And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, said the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
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Ezekiel 21:25-27
And you, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,
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Ezekiel 29:19,20
Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.
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Daniel 2:20,21,37
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
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Daniel 4:17
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will, and sets up over it the basest of men.
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Daniel 5:18-28
O you king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:
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Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, see, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
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Hosea 8:4
They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
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Amos 9:8
Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, said the LORD.
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Haggai 2:21,22
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;
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John 19:10,11
Then said Pilate to him, Speak you not to me? know you not that I have power to crucify you, and have power to release you?
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Resources
What does the Bible say about government? | GotQuestions.org

Is democracy a Christian form of government? | GotQuestions.org

What is moral government theology? | GotQuestions.org

Government: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Communism: General Scriptures Concerning

Contingencies in Divine Government of Man

Government

Government: Civil Service School Provided By

Government: Constitutes

Government: Corruption In

Government: Corruption in Felix, Who Expected Money from Paul

Government: Corruption in Pilate, in Delivering Jesus to Death in Order to Please the Clamoring Multitude

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: Imperial

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: Corrupt

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: Provincial

Government: Representative

Government: Theocratic

Government: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to God In

Related Terms

Convention (1 Occurrence)

Helps (16 Occurrences)

Gifts (144 Occurrences)

Government (20 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)

Lod (4 Occurrences)

Lydda (3 Occurrences)

Workers (76 Occurrences)

Various (52 Occurrences)

Diversities (4 Occurrences)

Barbarian (2 Occurrences)

Abolish (6 Occurrences)

Administrators (7 Occurrences)

Administration (12 Occurrences)

Administrations (2 Occurrences)

Secondarily (1 Occurrence)

Divers (36 Occurrences)

Different (87 Occurrences)

Miracles (65 Occurrences)

Third (192 Occurrences)

Assembly (371 Occurrences)

Church (110 Occurrences)

Locust (25 Occurrences)

Governor (78 Occurrences)

Healings (3 Occurrences)

Divination (25 Occurrences)

Gift (148 Occurrences)

Solomon (277 Occurrences)

Languages (36 Occurrences)

Healing (60 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Miracle (15 Occurrences)

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

Apostles (79 Occurrences)

Prophets (270 Occurrences)

Government: Theocratic
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