Topical Bible: Kings: Punishment for Resisting the Lawful Authority of

◄ Kings: Punishment for Resisting the Lawful Authority of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, kings are often depicted as the divinely appointed leaders of the nation of Israel and Judah. The authority of kings is seen as an extension of God's sovereign rule, and resisting their lawful authority is frequently portrayed as an act of rebellion against God Himself. The Bible provides several accounts where individuals or groups faced severe consequences for opposing the king's authority.

Divine Appointment of Kings

The concept of kingship in Israel begins with the people's request for a king to lead them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8. Although God warns them of the potential pitfalls of human kingship, He grants their request and instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king. This anointing signifies that the king is chosen by God, and thus, his authority is to be respected. In 1 Samuel 10:1 , Samuel anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?"

Rebellion Against King Saul

One of the earliest examples of punishment for resisting a king's authority is found in the account of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed King Saul. In 2 Samuel 1:14-16 , David, who would later become king, responds to the Amalekite's claim: "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" David then orders the Amalekite to be executed for his actions, demonstrating the seriousness of opposing God's chosen leader.

King David and Absalom's Rebellion

King David's reign also provides a significant example of the consequences of resisting royal authority. Absalom, David's son, leads a rebellion against his father in an attempt to usurp the throne. This act of defiance results in a civil war, and ultimately, Absalom's death. In 2 Samuel 18:9-15 , Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree and is killed by Joab, David's commander. The rebellion ends in tragedy, illustrating the futility and danger of resisting the king's authority.

King Solomon and Adonijah's Ambition

The transition of power from King David to Solomon also highlights the theme of punishment for resisting the king's authority. Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempts to claim the throne without David's blessing. Solomon, once established as king, deals decisively with Adonijah's rebellion. In 1 Kings 2:24-25 , Solomon orders Adonijah's execution, stating, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has established me and set me on the throne of my father David and who has made me a house as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!"

The Role of Prophets and Divine Judgment

While kings are to be obeyed, the Bible also acknowledges that they are subject to God's law and judgment. Prophets often serve as God's messengers to hold kings accountable. For instance, when King Saul disobeys God's command, the prophet Samuel declares that the kingdom will be taken from him (1 Samuel 15:26-28). Similarly, when King David sins, the prophet Nathan confronts him, leading to David's repentance and God's forgiveness, though not without consequences (2 Samuel 12:7-14).

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of kingship emphasize the importance of respecting the authority of the king as God's appointed leader. Resisting this authority is portrayed as an act of rebellion against God, often resulting in severe punishment. These narratives underscore the belief in divine sovereignty and the expectation that both rulers and subjects adhere to God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:2
Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... early bishops aimed at in steadfastly resisting civil encroachment. ... For the severest
punishment of the Church, and ... insulting than these words, "The kings of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... that the authority of the kings of Judah ... returned from Babylon and the Samaritans,
resisting equally their ... and, indeed, as a righteous punishment on account of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Of Civil Government.
... them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil ... thanks, be made for all men;
for kings, and for ... since we cannot resist the magistrate without resisting God ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... For as to corporal punishment, it is known that at ... of them scruple not to affirm,
That wicked kings and magistrates ... As to this last part, of resisting such as ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... Their not resisting, when they could have done so, is ... he supposes that there will
be no punishment of his ... at different times to the two kings Abimelech and ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... Spirit speaking by Stephen, yet were bent on resisting (Acts 6 ... how Ahab obtained
pardon, and averted the punishment denounced against him (1 Kings 21:28 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... their part, was grievous and to be worthy of punishment. ... and having conquered many
neighbouring kings and nations ... brought to that state, or resisting grace, or ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Period of Controversy, 1614-1645.
... the Church of Scotland and the Stuart Kings except in ... and rigor of justice to inflict
that punishment which their ... at last went the length of resisting by force ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter v the period of.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... example in the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 6:17 ... that devils are doomed to eternal
punishment, that fire ... and thereby be more remiss or less cautious in resisting. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Holy Exercises of Resignation.
... though there had been no reward or punishment.28 ... my inordinate passions, and not
by resisting and mortifying ... blessed and only Potentate, King of kings and Lord ...
/.../holy exercises of resignation.htm