Topical Bible: Kings: Approached With Greatest Reverence

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In the biblical narrative, kings hold a significant and revered position, often seen as God's appointed leaders over His chosen people, Israel. The role of a king in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing governance, military leadership, and spiritual oversight. The reverence for kings is deeply rooted in the understanding that they are anointed by God and serve as His representatives on earth.

Divine Appointment and Anointing

The concept of kingship in Israel begins with the people's request for a king to lead them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8. Despite the prophet Samuel's warnings about the potential pitfalls of monarchy, God instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel. This anointing signifies divine approval and sets a precedent for the sacred nature of kingship. In 1 Samuel 10:1 , Samuel anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?"

David, the second king of Israel, is perhaps the most revered king in the biblical narrative. His anointing by Samuel, as described in 1 Samuel 16:13 , underscores the divine choice: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." David's reign is marked by a deep commitment to God, and he is often seen as a model king, despite his personal failings.

The King as God's Representative

Kings in the Bible are often seen as God's representatives, tasked with upholding His laws and leading the people in righteousness. This is evident in the covenantal language used in relation to the Davidic line, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16): "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."

The king's role as a spiritual leader is further emphasized in the Psalms and Proverbs, where the ideal king is depicted as one who fears the Lord and rules with wisdom and justice. Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases," highlighting the belief that a king's authority is ultimately subject to God's will.

Reverence and Accountability

While kings are approached with great reverence, the Bible also holds them accountable to God's standards. The narrative of King Saul's disobedience and subsequent rejection by God (1 Samuel 15) serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to adhere to divine commands. Similarly, King Solomon's later years, marked by idolatry and turning away from God, lead to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11).

The prophets play a crucial role in holding kings accountable, often delivering messages of warning and judgment. Nathan's confrontation with David over his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12) exemplifies the prophetic duty to call kings to repentance and righteousness.

Messianic Expectations

The reverence for kings in the Bible also extends to the messianic expectations rooted in the Davidic covenant. The promise of an eternal kingdom through David's line is seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who will reign with perfect justice and righteousness. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of this future king: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders... Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore."

In the New Testament, Jesus is recognized as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies, often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1). His kingship is characterized by humility and sacrificial love, redefining the nature of true leadership and authority.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of kings is one of reverence, rooted in their divine appointment and role as God's representatives. While they are honored and respected, they are also held to the highest standards of accountability, with their actions having profound implications for the nation of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 24:8
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 9:8
And he bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?
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2 Samuel 14:22
And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day your servant knows that I have found grace in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:23
And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
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Library

Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State.
... the deepen root, and is most discoverable in the greatest geniuses and most ... That
sublime manner of salutation with which the Jews approached their kings,. ...
/.../sect x immortality of the.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... As the time approached for the coming of the true Prophet of ... schism had come to its
end; the kings of the ... are when born, before we can receive our greatest good ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book I.
... for a draught of pure wine, passionately entreating all who approached to give ... it
is necessary to deceive, and to do the greatest benefits by ... [61] 2 Kings 1:9 ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... that the vision would bring the greatest pleasure, if ... of the disposition with which
he approached the gift of ... great power against nations and kings; [3219] the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... forty days without meat and drink (1 Kings 19:8 ... the manner of men when they approached
the sanctuary ... as a matter of necessity, they throw the greatest obloquy on ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... greatest reverence to the Deity the greatest benefits accrue ... of their own salvation
and of the reverence due to ... to unity; and when they approached Bagaja, then ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Battle, kings lay aside their crowns in, [609]447. ... remitting sin, [988]444, n.; the
prize of fasting during Lent, [989]471; not to be approached unless healed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... from the least of them unto the greatest of them ... no longer concealed, but might be
approached with safety ... It should be performed with godly fear and reverence. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Critical and Historical Movement
... clear that we have here a question of greatest moment ... again, they wear a new aspect
and are approached in a ... times of the Judges and of the Kings, the historical ...
/.../chapter iv the critical and.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... 2. Others, and these perhaps the greatest part of real ... after vanity, and become vain:
(2 Kings 17:15:) of ... advanced in life when they first approached the table ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm