Topical Bible: King: Religious Duties of

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In the biblical context, the role of a king was not only political but also deeply intertwined with religious responsibilities. The king was expected to uphold and promote the worship of Yahweh, ensuring that the nation remained faithful to the covenant established between God and Israel. This entry explores the religious duties of a king as outlined in the Scriptures.

1. Upholding the Law of God

One of the primary religious duties of a king was to uphold and enforce the Law of God. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 provides specific instructions for the king: "When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes." This passage emphasizes the king's responsibility to be personally acquainted with the Law, ensuring that his rule aligns with divine commandments.

2. Leading by Example in Worship

The king was expected to lead the nation in worship and devotion to God. King David, for instance, is often highlighted for his role in organizing worship and composing psalms that were used in temple services. His dedication to worship is evident in passages like 2 Samuel 6:14 , where David "danced with all his might before the LORD" as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This act demonstrated his personal commitment to worship and set a precedent for the nation.

3. Promoting Justice and Righteousness

A king's religious duty also included promoting justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character in governance. Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." The king was to ensure that his rule was marked by fairness and equity, serving as God's representative in maintaining order and justice in the land.

4. Protecting and Supporting the Priesthood

The king had a duty to support the priesthood and ensure the proper functioning of religious institutions. This included providing for the needs of the temple and the priests, as seen in the actions of King Solomon, who built the temple in Jerusalem and organized the priestly divisions (1 Kings 6-7). The king's support was crucial for the continuation of sacrificial offerings and other religious rites.

5. Repentance and Intercession

In times of national crisis or sin, the king was expected to lead the people in repentance and intercession. An example of this is found in the life of King Hezekiah, who, upon learning of the impending Assyrian invasion, sought the Lord's guidance and prayed for deliverance (2 Kings 19:1-19). His actions demonstrated the king's role as an intercessor for the people, seeking God's favor and forgiveness.

6. Eliminating Idolatry

A significant religious duty of the king was to eliminate idolatry and ensure exclusive worship of Yahweh. Kings like Josiah are commended for their efforts to rid the land of idols and restore true worship (2 Kings 23:4-25). This duty was critical in maintaining the spiritual purity of the nation and preventing the influence of foreign gods.

In summary, the religious duties of a king in the biblical narrative were comprehensive, encompassing the enforcement of God's Law, leading in worship, promoting justice, supporting the priesthood, interceding for the nation, and eliminating idolatry. These responsibilities underscored the king's role as both a political and spiritual leader, charged with guiding the nation in faithfulness to God.

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Ezekiel 45:9-25
Thus said the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, said the Lord GOD.
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Ezekiel 46:2,4-8
And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.
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Library

The Kingdom of Heaven
... Yes, the king was very angry, as he had a right to be. ... I, says one, regularly perform
my religious duties; and I, says another, build churches and chapels, and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxx the kingdom of.htm

The Subjects of the Kingdom.
... His earthly ministry, the Kingdom was not yet founded[9]. The King was only ... towards
Him, was in the spirit in which they had discharged their religious duties. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iv the subjects of.htm

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... Jehovah was the King of Judah; therefore the things that are Caesar's ... gives to these
peasant magistrates bears on the religious aspect of their duties. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

Biographical Preface.
... a conjecture with regard to the other grounds of offence to the King, might it ... which
have been written to direct the Christian in his religious duties, this is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/biographical preface.htm

The Requirements of the King
... XVIII to XXVIII THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE KING. ... came to Christ for a purely religious
purpose, not ... Decalogue, which deals with the homeliest duties, and appending ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the requirements of the king.htm

Electress Louisa
... and was strict in the performance of her religious duties. ... every Tuesday with its
own religious observances for ... whom became afterwards the first king of Prussia ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/electress louisa.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... the unspeakable comfort of beginning to be religious betimes: as ... and retirement,
as hard and rigorous duties; for he ... look upon death, not as a king of terrors ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

Ezekiel
... He will send them an ideal king, unlike the mercenary rulers of the past, who ... them,
also by the Levites, the city and the prince; the religious duties of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ...
... or an hour and a half, to religious exercises daily ... way in which we can come into
communication with heaven's King. ... we are to neglect the ordinary duties of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vii i suspect i.htm

Duty and Superstition
... the Catechism, but require of men new duties over and ... a convent, or to attempt some
great religious enterprise?'"Things ... of the Jews; who is the King of all ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vii duty and superstition.htm