In the biblical narrative, the concept of stretching out one's hand against a king is fraught with moral and spiritual implications. The king, as God's anointed, holds a unique position within the theocratic framework of Israel. To act against a king is to challenge the divine order established by God Himself. This entry explores the guilt and danger associated with such actions, drawing from scriptural examples and theological insights.

Divine Anointing and Authority

The kings of Israel were anointed by God, signifying their divine appointment and authority. This anointing set them apart as God's chosen leaders. In 1 Samuel 10:1, we see the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as king: "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 was not merely ceremonial but indicated a sacred trust and responsibility bestowed by God.

David's Reverence for the Anointed

David's relationship with King Saul provides a profound example of the reverence due to God's anointed. Despite being pursued by Saul, David refrained from harming him, recognizing the sanctity of Saul's anointing. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David declares, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed" . David's restraint underscores the belief that to harm the king is to act against God's will.

The Guilt of Usurping Authority

The act of stretching out one's hand against a king is often associated with rebellion and usurpation. Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, illustrates the peril of such actions. Absalom's attempt to seize the throne led to civil war and his eventual demise, as recorded in 2 Samuel 18. His rebellion is a cautionary tale of the chaos and destruction that follow when individuals defy God's established order.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

The Bible records instances where those who acted against God's anointed faced severe consequences. In 2 Samuel 1:14-16, an Amalekite claims to have killed Saul, expecting a reward from David. Instead, David orders his execution, saying, "How is it that you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" . This passage highlights the seriousness with which such actions were regarded and the divine judgment that followed.

Theological Implications

The guilt and danger of stretching out the hand against a king extend beyond the immediate political ramifications. It reflects a deeper theological truth about the sovereignty of God and the sanctity of His chosen leaders. The king, as a representative of God's authority on earth, serves as a reminder of the divine order that governs creation. To act against the king is to challenge God's sovereignty and invite His judgment.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently upholds the principle that kings, as God's anointed, are to be respected and honored. The guilt and danger associated with stretching out one's hand against them serve as a warning against rebellion and a call to recognize the divine order established by God. Through the examples of David, Absalom, and others, Scripture teaches the importance of reverence for God's anointed and the consequences of defying His will.1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 1:14
And David said to him, How were you not afraid to stretch forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

God Alone the Salvation of his People
... though the nations have reviled him, and "the kings of the ... a kind of enchantment,
making me forget the danger by the ... higher than my sins; I see my guilt, but I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/god alone the salvation of.htm

P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ...
... evil, let them tell me where the danger lies if ... does not there speak of the general
guilt in which ... Christ says, that kings and magistrates are called gods by ...
/.../chapter 16 paedobaptism its accordance.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... of Nun when fighting against the five kings gave commandments ... it brought anxiety
to us and danger to herself ... and that according to the nature and guilt of their ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

True Greatness
... even by Inspiration as "a king of kings" (Ezekiel 26 ... his pride, until he was in grave
danger of spoiling ... a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 42 true greatness.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... Hence we infer, that there is no danger of their falling away, since the ... (2 Kings
23:16 ... to pardon them; and that the wicked may feel that their guilt is doubled ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Ye shall be brought before kings for my sake' (Matthew 10 ... If conscience be full of
guilt (which is like a leak ... A shield is useful in time of danger; it defends ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of Jahveh, and seek to atone for its guilt by endless ... The efforts then made by the
Syrian kings to secure ... of recent date, and he resolved to seek out his foe ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

On Pentecost.
... c.14, in the expression of apprehension of personal danger to himself ... the seventh
punishment--a mark of infamy declaring his guilt and shame ... 4227] 1 Kings 17:21 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

A Discourse
... into the world a belief, through their own guilt and clamours ... intended by the first
mentioning of them (1 Kings 7:4 ... by the eye, must needs be in danger of being ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Christianity
... it should arouse men, not to the danger of a ... death considered as a penalty, and the
guilt and demerit ... of which the bluest blood of most ancient kings shall be ...
/.../haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christianity.htm

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