Topical Bible: King: Hereditary Succession

◄ King: Hereditary Succession ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of hereditary succession in the context of kingship is a significant theme in the Bible, particularly in the history of Israel and Judah. Hereditary succession refers to the passing of kingship from one generation to the next within a family, typically from father to son. This practice is evident in the biblical narrative and is often seen as a means of maintaining continuity and stability within the kingdom.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of hereditary succession is first introduced with the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. When the Israelites demanded a king to lead them, God instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king (1 Samuel 9-10). However, Saul's disobedience led to the end of his dynasty, and God chose David, a man after His own heart, to establish a new royal line (1 Samuel 13:14, 16:1-13).

David's covenant with God further solidified the concept of hereditary succession. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God promises David that his throne will be established forever: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" . This covenant is foundational for the Davidic line, which is central to the messianic expectation in the Bible.

The Davidic Line

The hereditary succession of kings is most clearly seen in the Davidic line, beginning with Solomon, David's son, who succeeded him as king. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, but his later years are marred by idolatry, leading to the division of the kingdom after his death (1 Kings 11:11-13). Despite this division, the promise to David remains, and the line of kings continues in Judah.

Throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, the narrative follows the succession of Davidic kings in Judah. Each king is evaluated based on their faithfulness to God and adherence to the covenant. Notable kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah are commended for their reforms and efforts to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 18:3-6, 2 Kings 22:2).

Challenges and Deviations

While hereditary succession was the norm, there were challenges and deviations. The northern kingdom of Israel, which broke away from Judah, experienced frequent changes in dynasties due to coups and assassinations. This instability contrasts with the relative continuity of the Davidic line in Judah.

In Judah, there were also instances where the line of succession was threatened. For example, Queen Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah, attempted to destroy the royal family to seize power, but Joash, a rightful heir, was hidden and later restored to the throne (2 Kings 11:1-3).

Theological Significance

The hereditary succession of kings in the Bible is not merely a political arrangement but carries deep theological significance. The Davidic covenant points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the Son of David and the eternal King. The genealogy of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke traces His lineage back to David, affirming His rightful place in the Davidic line and His role as the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38).

In summary, the concept of hereditary succession in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty in establishing and maintaining the line of kings, ultimately pointing to the eternal reign of Christ. The narrative of the kings serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His redemptive plan for humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 7:12-16
And when your days be fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, which shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 1:28-30
Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 21:3,4
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 89:35-37
Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie to David.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Mother of Xerxes.
... He told the king that, according to the principles of hereditary succession which
were adopted in Greece, Xerxes was his heir as well as Cyrus's, for he was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm

Guelf and Ghibelline. (I)
... could have been bribed to consent by the recognition of hereditary succession to
their ... that Henry could secure was the election as German King, and therefore ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter viii guelf and ghibelline.htm

Additional Notes
... B."The Hereditary Succession of the Coarbs Of Patrick ... is true, indeed, that according
to AFM Amalgaid, one of the eight, anointed Maelsechlainn king of Ireland ...
/.../st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/additional notes.htm

Letter ccxxxvi. To the Same Amphilochius.
... the kingdom had been destroyed, and there was no longer an hereditary succession
of reigns ... whence the Lord, in things pertaining to God, is both King and High ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxxvi to the same.htm

The Secular Clergy
... like all feudal tenants, tried to establish the right of hereditary succession in
their ... The King or, by usurpation from him, the great feudal lord had acquired ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace ...
... believed that by him this evilly rooted succession might be ... hundred years had held
as by hereditary right the ... relative of Murtough.[404] But the king[405] and ...
/.../chapter iv being made archbishop.htm

Justice and the Reason of Effects
... Some place it in election by the people, others in hereditary succession, etc. ... Not
so the king; he has power and has nothing to do with the imagination. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section v justice and the.htm

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh
... II., king of England, 62. "", son of David I., king of Scots, 77. Hereditary
succession of abbots, xv, lvi f., 45 f., 48, 148, 165. ...
/.../lawlor/st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/index 2.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... The principle of hereditary monarchy secures peaceful succession, but not continuity
of policy. Many a king of Judah had to say in his heart what Ecclesiastes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... and Zephaniah with his severity, take their place in about equal succession. ... born
with the old taint of corruption; subject to hereditary guilt, depravity, and ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm