Topical Bible: King: Respect Due To

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In the biblical context, the concept of kingship is deeply intertwined with the divine order and governance established by God. The respect due to a king is not merely a matter of political necessity but is often portrayed as a reflection of one's reverence for God's ordained authority.

Divine Appointment of Kings

The Bible frequently emphasizes that kings are appointed by God, and thus, respecting them is akin to respecting God's will. In 1 Samuel 10:1, we see the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as king, signifying God's choice: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" This anointing underscores the belief that kingship is a divine institution.

Obedience and Honor

Scripture calls for obedience and honor towards kings as a demonstration of respect for God's established order. In Romans 13:1-2, Paul writes, "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 highlights the theological foundation for respecting earthly rulers.

Respect in Action

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals showing respect to kings, even when they are not Israelites. In Genesis 41:40, Pharaoh elevates Joseph, saying, "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Joseph's respectful service to Pharaoh exemplifies the proper attitude towards a king.

Warnings Against Disrespect

Disrespect towards a king is often portrayed as a serious offense. In Ecclesiastes 10:20, it is written, "Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a winged creature may report your words." This verse warns against even private disrespect, emphasizing the importance of maintaining honor for the king.

The Role of Wisdom

Wisdom literature in the Bible often associates respect for the king with wisdom and prudence. Proverbs 24:21 advises, "My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious." This proverb links the fear of the Lord with respect for the king, suggesting that wise living involves honoring both divine and earthly authority.

Jesus and Earthly Authority

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself acknowledges the role of earthly authority. When questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds in Matthew 22:21, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This statement affirms the legitimacy of earthly rulers and the respect due to them, while also distinguishing between earthly and divine obligations.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to respect kings is rooted in the understanding of kingship as a divinely appointed institution. Through obedience, honor, and wisdom, believers are called to demonstrate their respect for both God and the earthly authorities He has established.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 34:18
Is it fit to say to a king, You are wicked? and to princes, You are ungodly?
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Isaiah 8:21
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
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Matthew 22:21
They say to him, Caesar's. Then said he to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.
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Mark 12:17
And Jesus answering said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.
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Library

How a Prop of the Church on which Bishop Aidan was Leaning when He ...
... thither, and laid on the right side of the altar, with the respect due to so ... It happened
some years after, that Penda, king of the Mercians, coming into these ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvii how a prop.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... Fourthly, He is the Truth, in respect of his offices which ... remaineth to be done,
he will perfect in due time. ... did he take on the office and function of a King? ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... to pass in a book, and read it in the hearing of the king, and laid ... he was born;
and many good men there were who paid him the respect that was due to him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

Whether Honor is Properly Due to those who are Above Us?
... This honor is he worthy of whom the king hath a ... excellent than those who honor him
in some respect and not ... honor of adoration and latria, which is due to God. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether honor is properly due.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... Father which is in heaven?" What is due to children ... they were evil, who after another
respect were good. ... guests of the Householder at the King's marriage, were ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Concerning the King who Made a Reckoning with his Own Servants, to ...
... by God to us of the sins in respect of which we ... all things" spoken of besides those
which the king ordered to ... to the tormentors paid all that was due, so that ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 concerning the king who.htm

The New Commandment
... It is like unto a queen, who, having free access to the king, obtains whatsoever
she asks. ... this is all the easier since they do not owe me the respect due to a ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter x the new commandment.htm

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
... was careful to premise that He had respect unto Abel ... Almighty God has been offered
by the king who for ... apostle Peter, which, being laid up with due honour, may ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cxxii to rechared king.htm

the New Commandment
... It is like unto a queen, who, having free access to the king, obtains whatsoever
she asks. ... this is all the easier since they do not owe me the respect due to a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter x - the new.htm

What Other Acts were done by Agrippa Until his Death; and after ...
... So the king, in order to preserve the respect that was due to the Romans,
went out of the city to meet him, as far as seven furlongs. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 what other acts.htm