Topical Bible: Kings: Be not Presumptuous Before

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The theme of humility and the warning against presumption is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of kingship. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that caution against the dangers of pride and presumption, especially for those in positions of authority.

Biblical Examples:

1. King Saul: Saul, the first king of Israel, serves as a poignant example of presumption leading to downfall. Initially chosen by God, Saul's reign began with promise but was marred by disobedience and presumption. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul presumptuously offers a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel, demonstrating a lack of faith and patience. This act of presumption leads to God's rejection of Saul's dynasty: "You have acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time" (1 Samuel 13:13).

2. King Uzziah: Uzziah, king of Judah, is another example of presumption. His reign was marked by prosperity and strength, but his heart became proud. In 2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah enters the temple to burn incense on the altar, a task designated for the priests. His presumption results in leprosy, a divine judgment for his arrogance: "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense" (2 Chronicles 26:16).

3. King Nebuchadnezzar: Although not an Israelite king, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. His account in the Book of Daniel illustrates the consequences of presumption. After boasting about his achievements, Nebuchadnezzar is humbled by God, losing his sanity and living like an animal until he acknowledges God's sovereignty: "The words were still in the king’s mouth when a voice came from heaven: 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared that your kingdom has been removed from you'" (Daniel 4:31).

Teachings and Warnings:

The Bible consistently warns against presumption, emphasizing the importance of humility before God. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" . This principle is particularly relevant for kings and leaders, who are called to lead with humility and reliance on God rather than their own understanding or strength.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about humility and the dangers of presumption. In Luke 14:11, He says, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" . This teaching underscores the biblical principle that true greatness and leadership come through humility and service.

Application for Leaders:

The biblical narrative and teachings provide a clear message for leaders: to avoid presumption and pride, and to lead with humility and dependence on God. Kings and leaders are reminded that their authority is granted by God and should be exercised with reverence and obedience to His commands. The examples of Saul, Uzziah, and Nebuchadnezzar serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the consequences of presumption and the importance of humility in leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:6
Put not forth yourself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

But as to those who Think that not Here...
... credit in heavenly places, who could not stand in ... do you refrain, O most presumptuous
heretic, from ... betrayal has been appointed; likewise kings, governors, and ...
/.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter x but as to.htm

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
... prophet to undertake the office of interceding (2 Kings 19:4 ... aid which he voluntarily
offers, they are not elated with supine or presumptuous security; but ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 14 it is strange.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... be pleaded as an excuse for the presumptuous sin by ... Howbeit the high places were
not removed: the people sacrificed and ... still in the high places." 2 Kings 15:34 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

1 Timothy i. 18, 19
... is meant by "the prophecies that went before on thee ... For as kings with their own
hands slay their enemies ... It is not presumptuous to receive often, but to receive ...
/.../homily v 1 timothy i.htm

This ChapterSpeaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with ...
... This is not so with earthly kings; unless we were told ... He has shown it great mercy
in not casting it ... Fourthly: it would be very presumptuous of me to choose a ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ix this chapter speaks.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity ... But God does explain
where we can not understand without ... 11, 24; xxxvii.5; xli.1; I. Kings iii.5 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

Daniel
... divine Judge upon His throne, and the presumptuous beast is ... to Alexander"the author
is apparently not well informed ... He knows of only four Persian kings, xi.2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... was the admiration of all; and all kings of the ... men are found to be unlearned and
presumptuous, nay, even ... by the mind of each of them; not understanding that as ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

John Chapter i. 19-33
... who are clothed in soft raiment are in kings' houses." You ... sin of the world!" Let
there not be presumptuous confidence of men upon men: let not the sparrow ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iv john chapter i.htm

Peace
... not doubt of God's mercy; and from this presumptuous confidence arises ... and her
witchcrafts are so many?' 2 Kings 9:92. ... Sin shall not have dominion.' Romans 6:14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm