In the biblical narrative, kings are often depicted as central figures who wield significant influence and authority over their subjects. The honor given to kings is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the divine order and the societal structures of ancient Israel and surrounding nations.

Divine Appointment and Authority

Kings in the Bible are frequently portrayed as being appointed by God, serving as His representatives on earth. This divine appointment is a source of their honor and authority. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul as king, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" . This anointing signifies God's choice and the honor bestowed upon the king as a leader of His people.

Wisdom and Justice

The honor of kings is also linked to their wisdom and ability to administer justice. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, exemplifies this aspect of kingship. In 1 Kings 3:28, the people of Israel revered Solomon because "they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice" . A king's capacity to discern and judge rightly is a source of honor and respect among his subjects.

Military Leadership and Protection

Kings are often honored for their role as military leaders and protectors of their nations. David, for instance, is celebrated for his military exploits and victories over Israel's enemies. In 1 Samuel 18:7, the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" , highlighting the honor attributed to David for his prowess in battle.

Covenantal Relationship with God

The honor of kings is further emphasized through their covenantal relationship with God. The Davidic Covenant, as described in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, promises that David's lineage will endure forever, establishing a perpetual throne. This covenant underscores the special status and honor of the Davidic line, as it is intricately linked to God's redemptive plan.

Moral and Spiritual Leadership

Kings are also expected to provide moral and spiritual leadership to their people. The Book of Proverbs frequently associates the honor of kings with righteousness and integrity. Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness" . A king's commitment to upholding God's laws and leading his people in righteousness is a significant aspect of his honor.

Consequences of Dishonor

Conversely, the Scriptures also address the consequences when kings fail to uphold their duties. The dishonor that befalls a king who turns away from God is evident in the narratives of Saul and other kings of Israel and Judah who led their people into idolatry and disobedience. Such actions result in divine judgment and the loss of honor, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23, where Samuel tells Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" .

Symbolism and Titles

The honor of kings is often symbolized through titles and ceremonial practices. Kings are referred to as "the LORD's anointed," a title that signifies their consecrated status. The use of crowns, thrones, and scepters further symbolizes their authority and the honor accorded to them.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of kings encompasses a multifaceted view of honor, rooted in divine appointment, wisdom, military leadership, covenantal promises, and moral integrity. The honor of kings is both a divine gift and a responsibility, with significant implications for their reign and legacy.Proverbs 14:28
In the multitude of people is the king's honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Glory Song.
... On earth great ones, kings and princes, have numerous titles ... He hath made us kings
and priests ... We are not subjects of a Kingdom, but are a Kingdom, partakers of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the glory song.htm

How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ...
... such as we know are as much subjects as we ... if they consider the old governments under
kings, together with ... but that your kindnesses may be as numerous as his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how herod twice.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... because it appeared to him to be numerous, and superior ... fame; and of imprinting in
the kings of nations ... with them, as he was fighting for his subjects, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The General Conference of 1808
... "Our conference has been numerous, and many important subjects have been ... who hath
washed them and us in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests ...
/.../chapter 7 the general conference.htm

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
... Here are kings and queens who, in their exalted position ... wealth and position for
the benefit of their subjects. ... and, probably, by far the most numerous in heaven ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xx the glory of.htm

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel.
Sermons on Various Important Subjects. ... "The kings of the ... reputable religion in many
countries; particularly in Syria and at Rome and its numerous provinces; and ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon i the wisdom of.htm

Baptists.
... moderate Calvinists, and form the most numerous body of ... the conscience, and the Prince
of the kings of the ... opinions respecting the mode and subjects of baptism ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... There were five thousand of his subjects gathered at ... printed in the American Vocalist,
among numerous samples of ... Kings shall fall down before Him And gold and ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

Note a the Following Extract of a Letter I Received from the Rev. ...
... all of one creation " alike the subjects or redeeming ... all accountable to the King
of kings, and deserving ... his funeral was attended by a numerous assembly of ...
/.../note a the following extract.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... the end: and from the numerous doctrines of ... Paul selected three subjects, correspondent
to the characteristics ... There he demonstrated that kings and magistrates ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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