Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of obedience to a king is deeply rooted in the understanding of authority and governance as ordained by God. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where obedience to a king is not only encouraged but enjoined as a reflection of one's submission to God's established order.Divine Ordination of Kingship The Bible presents the institution of kingship as part of God's divine plan for governance. In 1 Samuel 8:7, when the Israelites demand a king, God tells Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." This passage underscores the belief that earthly kingship is a reflection of God's ultimate sovereignty. Obedience as a Duty Obedience to a king is portrayed as a duty for the people of God. In Ecclesiastes 8:2, the Preacher advises, "Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God." This verse highlights the seriousness of obedience as a covenantal obligation, suggesting that loyalty to the king is intertwined with one's faithfulness to God. Examples of Obedience Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous examples of individuals and nations demonstrating obedience to their king. In 2 Samuel 15:15, during Absalom's rebellion, David's servants express their loyalty, saying, "Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses." This reflects the expected allegiance to the king as God's anointed leader. Consequences of Disobedience The Bible also warns of the consequences of disobedience to a king. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel rebukes King Saul for his disobedience, stating, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." This illustrates that disobedience to a king, especially one appointed by God, is tantamount to disobedience to God Himself. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the principle of obedience to governing authorities, including kings, is reiterated. Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "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 reinforces the idea that obedience to a king or ruler is part of a Christian's duty to live in accordance with God's order. Balancing Obedience and Righteousness While obedience to a king is enjoined, the Bible also provides guidance on the limits of such obedience. Acts 5:29 records the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin, "We must obey God rather than men." This indicates that when a king's commands directly contradict God's laws, believers are called to prioritize divine obedience. In summary, the biblical narrative consistently enjoins obedience to a king as part of God's ordained structure for human society, while also recognizing the supremacy of God's law in cases of conflict. Nave's Topical Index Ecclesiastes 8:2-5I counsel you to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning Ahaziah; the King of Israel; and Again Concerning the ... The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King Book 4 The Shepherd King of Israel How Coinred, King of the Mercians, and Offa, King of the East ... On Obedience to Parents Promises and Threatenings Exodus How Bacchides, the General of Demetrius's Army, Made an Expedition ... Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them. Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is the King of the Jews? | GotQuestions.org King: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms |
    |