Topical Bible: Kings: Officers of Prime Minister

◄ Kings: Officers of Prime Minister ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role of a prime minister or chief officer under the king is a significant position within the governance structure of ancient Israel and Judah. This role is often associated with the administration of the kingdom, acting as the king's right-hand man, and overseeing various governmental functions. The Bible provides several examples of individuals who served in such capacities, highlighting their influence and responsibilities.

Joseph in Egypt

One of the earliest and most prominent examples of a prime minister-like figure is Joseph, who served under Pharaoh in Egypt. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph was appointed as the second-in-command over Egypt. Genesis 41:40-41 records Pharaoh's words to Joseph: "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Joseph's role involved managing the land during the years of plenty and famine, showcasing the administrative and executive responsibilities typical of a prime minister.

Ahithophel and Hushai

During King David's reign, Ahithophel and Hushai are notable figures who served as counselors, akin to prime ministers. Ahithophel was renowned for his wisdom, and his counsel was highly regarded, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23 : "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom." Hushai, on the other hand, was a loyal friend to David and acted as a counter-counselor to Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37.

Jehoiada the Priest

Jehoiada, though primarily a priest, played a crucial role in the governance of Judah during the reign of King Joash. His influence extended beyond religious duties, as he was instrumental in the political and spiritual restoration of the kingdom. 2 Kings 11:17-18 describes Jehoiada's covenantal leadership: "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people."

Azariah and Eliakim

In the later period of the divided kingdom, figures such as Azariah and Eliakim served as high-ranking officials. Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, is mentioned in 2 Kings 18:18 as being over the household, a position of significant authority under King Hezekiah. This role involved managing the king's affairs and serving as an intermediary between the king and the people.

Biblical Significance

The role of a prime minister or chief officer in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of wise and faithful administration in the governance of God's people. These individuals were often entrusted with great responsibility and were expected to act with integrity and wisdom. Their influence on the political and spiritual life of the nation highlights the interconnectedness of leadership and faithfulness to God's covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 19:11
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 28:7
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749.
... At this sight the officers collapsed in amazement. ... von Gersdorf, the official "Delegate
to Kings," to appeal ... It was probably Henry Pelham, the Prime Minister. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the appeal to.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... captive in Babylon under the last kings, and probably ... their money and influence among
the officers of the ... For her he made Mordecai prime minister, and lavished ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... court of one of the local kings in central ... In training administrative officers in
the leading countries of ... At length a young ruler made him his prime minister. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... the blessing of God amidst their greatest pressures became the prime reason of ... For
the hands of Kings by which they act, are their Officers and Ministers ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

The Memphite Empire
... than usual of minerals or turquoises, he sent thither one of his officers, with
a ... applied to the tombs of nobles and commoners as well as to those of kings. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Few kings have left a better legacy to the Christian church ... When the officers came
to take him he said, "I am ... Nov.5, 1632"when he was in the prime of his ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... They changed the gods of the Ennead into so many kings, determined with minute ... He
invited Osiris to a banquet along with seventy-two officers whose support he ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Justinian.
... Moved by the will of that Prime Love I ... judgment of God, saying there were many kings
in this ... Procopius records as derived from Gothic officers themselves; and ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

The Era of Persecution
... in human nature is surely one of its prime mysteries ... The wives and daughters of kings,
consuls, and emperors ... a passionate desire for her, sent officers to bring ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... and possessed so much wealth and so many soldiers, while its kings displayed such ...
They gave a loyal obedience to the officers sent them from the north, and ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm