Topical Bible: King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before

◄ King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before ►

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In the biblical context, the act of kneeling before a king is a significant gesture of respect, submission, and acknowledgment of the king's authority. This ceremonial act is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East and is reflected in various passages throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where kneeling before a king is depicted as a customary practice. One notable example is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. When Joseph was elevated to a position of power by Pharaoh, the people were instructed to bow the knee before him as a sign of his authority (Genesis 41:43: "He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, 'Bow the knee!'"). This act of kneeling signified Joseph's elevated status and the recognition of his God-given wisdom and leadership.

In the book of Esther, Mordecai's refusal to kneel before Haman, a high-ranking official, highlights the tension between cultural expectations and personal convictions (Esther 3:2: "All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had commanded this. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage."). Mordecai's stance underscores the belief that ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone, even in the face of royal decrees.

New Testament Context

The New Testament also reflects the practice of kneeling as a form of homage and recognition of authority. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi from the East come to worship the newborn King, Jesus, and they kneel before Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11: "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him."). This act of kneeling is not only a recognition of Jesus' kingship but also an acknowledgment of His divine nature.

Furthermore, the act of kneeling is seen in the parable of the unforgiving servant, where the servant falls on his knees before the king, pleading for mercy (Matthew 18:26: "Then the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Have patience with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'"). This illustrates the servant's recognition of the king's authority and his dependence on the king's grace.

Theological Implications

Kneeling before a king in the biblical narrative often carries theological implications, symbolizing the recognition of God's sovereignty and the proper order of authority. The act of kneeling is not merely a physical gesture but a reflection of the heart's posture towards authority, both human and divine. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate kingship of God, to whom all earthly rulers are subject.

In the broader biblical narrative, the ceremonial recognition of kneeling before a king points to the eschatological hope of Christ's return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."). This future reality underscores the belief in Christ's ultimate authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 27:29
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Caroline Settlement
... reaction from the studied absence of Ceremonial which had ... Savoy Conference was duly
notified to the King. ... important step for vindicating a recognition of "the ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ...
... diametrically opposed to any control by king, prince, or ... would have made in the
ceremonial of the ... in importance, and were accorded sympathetic recognition as a ...
/.../chapter i the evolution of.htm

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... the divine act, which must precede our recognition of it ... He is the Lord, the Eternal
and the Covenant King. ... must enter thither"not by any ceremonial act, or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

The Puritan Innovations
... and Norfolk had subsided, received very general recognition. ... The King was so fascinated
by his conversation, and ... book effected both in doctrine and ceremonial. ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter ii the puritan innovations.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents a royal figure kneeling and holding ...
By neglecting the slightest ceremonial detail the king would arouse ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... of the pope, with the legal recognition of the ... service with the most pompous ceremonial;
he made ... a flood of frivolity and immorality; the King himself setting ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... There was very little recognition of their being far ... of the deputation of ministers
to King William, by ... of a grander or more touching ceremonial, who hovered ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... of the fact that she had been a sun like Shamash, a disk-god before she was ... of which
Sirrida was the acknowledged queen, as he himself was its king, and among ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... by Faucher-Gudin, represents Taharqa in a kneeling attitude, and is ... for any one to
see the king face to ... This ceremonial Deiokes established for his own security ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm