Topical Bible: Kings: Judgments Upon, when Opposed to Christ

◄ Kings: Judgments Upon, when Opposed to Christ ►

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Throughout the biblical narrative, kings and rulers who opposed God's anointed, ultimately opposing Christ, faced divine judgment. This theme is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where the sovereignty of God is demonstrated through His dealings with earthly powers.

Old Testament Examples:

1. Pharaoh of Egypt: The Pharaoh who opposed Moses and the Israelites is a prime example of a king who faced God's judgment. Despite numerous warnings and plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened against God's command to let His people go. The culmination of God's judgment was the death of the firstborn in Egypt, leading to the Exodus (Exodus 12:29-30).

2. King Saul: Initially chosen by God, Saul's disobedience and jealousy towards David, God's anointed, led to his downfall. Saul's rejection of God's commands resulted in the loss of his kingdom and ultimately his life (1 Samuel 15:26-28).

3. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon: Although used by God to discipline Judah, Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to his temporary downfall. God humbled him by causing him to live like a beast until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:31-32).

New Testament Examples:

1. Herod the Great: Herod's attempt to kill the infant Jesus by ordering the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem was met with divine retribution. Herod's death is recorded shortly after this event, illustrating the futility of opposing God's plan (Matthew 2:16-19).

2. Herod Agrippa I: In the book of Acts, Herod Agrippa I, who persecuted the early church and executed James, faced God's judgment. After accepting praise as a god, he was struck down by an angel of the Lord and died a gruesome death (Acts 12:21-23).

3. Pontius Pilate: While Pilate's role in the crucifixion of Jesus was complex, his decision to yield to the crowd's demands rather than uphold justice is seen as an act of opposition to Christ. Although the Bible does not detail Pilate's end, historical accounts suggest a troubled later life, reflecting the consequences of his actions.

Theological Implications:

The judgments upon kings who opposed Christ underscore the biblical principle that earthly power is subordinate to divine authority. These narratives serve as a warning against pride and rebellion, emphasizing the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. The sovereignty of God is a central theme, demonstrating that no earthly ruler can thwart His divine purposes. The opposition to Christ, whether direct or through His anointed representatives, invites divine judgment, affirming the truth that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" (Daniel 4:32).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 2:2,5,9
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Impending Conflict
... of Heaven, none is more directly opposed to the ... Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim."
1 Kings 18:17 ... who are dishonoring God and bringing judgments upon the world ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... of devils will go forth to the kings of the ... All the judgments upon men, prior to
the close of probation, have ... Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... of devils will go forth to the kings of the ... All the judgments upon men, prior to
the close of probation, have ... Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... have done in numbering Israel at the time when God's judgments were falling upon
the backsliding ... the knees which have not bowed unto Baal." 1 Kings 19:14 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... But since he was the divinely appointed head of the line of kings which should end
in Christ, and was ... After describing the judgments of God upon the nations ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... counteract his convictions, by advising Balak to measures directly opposed to his ...
2 Kings 3:4 ... above all others, availed to bring the divine judgments upon them ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
... But such a view is opposed even by the relation of ... eg, "Waters red as blood," 2 Kings
3:22), is ... of the clouds of smoke of the divine judgments upon the enemies ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/exposition of chap iii ii.htm

Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned ...
... David's sin in numbering the people (2 Kings 24 ... Visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children ... cannot be conformed to God's hidden judgments, whereby He ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether vengeance should be taken.htm

Rom. xiv. 1, 2
... (1 Kings 21:23 ... these persons to fellowship and abstain from criticisms and judgments
upon their conscientious ... [1590] echomenous, here opposed to apechomenous. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv rom xiv 1.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse Shewn by Its Place in the Canon
... i.7): followed by the account of the judgments; the coming ... Lord of Lords," " "the
Prince of the Kings of the ... to bear against Him who sitteth upon the White ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the scope of the apocalypse.htm