In the biblical narrative, the concept of kingship is deeply intertwined with divine authority and the ordination of leaders by God. The resistance to kings, particularly those anointed by God, is often portrayed as resistance to God's own ordinance. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where the authority of kings is seen as an extension of God's sovereign rule over His people.

Divine Ordination of Kings

The establishment of kingship in Israel begins with the people's request for a king to lead them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8. Despite the prophet Samuel's warnings about the potential abuses of monarchical power, God instructs Samuel to heed the people's request, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me as their king" (1 Samuel 8:7). This passage underscores the belief that God is the ultimate king, and earthly kings serve as His representatives.

Resistance to Anointed Kings

The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel marks a significant moment where resistance to the king is equated with resistance to God's will. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul, declaring, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" . Saul's kingship, though later marred by disobedience, initially carries the weight of divine approval.

David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him, further illustrates the principle of respecting God's anointed. David refrains from harming Saul, stating, "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6). David's actions demonstrate a profound respect for the divine ordinance, recognizing that resistance to Saul, despite his failings, would be an affront to God’s established order.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament reinforces the idea that governing authorities are instituted by God. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage extends the principle of divine ordination beyond the kings of Israel to all governing authorities, emphasizing that resistance to such authorities is tantamount to resisting God Himself.

Historical Context and Application

Throughout history, the interpretation of these biblical principles has influenced Christian thought on governance and civil obedience. The belief that kings and rulers are divinely appointed has been used to justify the legitimacy of monarchies and other forms of government, urging believers to submit to authority as an act of obedience to God.

However, this principle is not without its complexities. The Bible also records instances where resistance to ungodly rulers is commended, such as the Hebrew midwives' defiance of Pharaoh's orders in Exodus 1:17. Thus, while the general principle upholds the divine ordination of kings, discernment is required to navigate situations where rulers act contrary to God's commands.

In summary, the biblical narrative presents kingship as an institution ordained by God, with resistance to such authority often equated with resistance to God Himself. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, shaping the Christian understanding of governance and the believer's relationship to earthly authorities.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

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ...
... to Him who is King of kings and Lord of lords, we cordially adopt the non-resistance
principle, being ... We shall submit to every ordinance and every requirement ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter i the doctrine of.htm

Non-Resistants.
... allegiance to HIM who is KING OF KINGS and LORD ... LORDS,"we cordially adopt the
non-resistance principle; being ... work: we shall submit to every ordinance of man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/non-resistants.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... yield no tribute and offer no armed resistance?". ... unjust designs they recklessly
prostitute God's ordinance of justice ... to doom or to acquit kings and potentates ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xix jesus before pilate.htm

Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )
... Whoso resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God ... caused schism, so that
your resistance of the ... promise concerning Christ, "Yea, all kings shall fall ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm

At the Temple Gate
... same way, the sinner, by continued resistance, places himself ... The kings of the earth
stood up, and the ... to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

Covenant Duties.
... of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for ... whether from within or from without;
the resistance of its ... by these constitutions, to be the ordinance of God ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... the violence of the tempest, without further resistance than by ... that establishes
the royal throne of kings; but it is the only and perfect ordinance of God ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... and pleasant springs, Delightful formerly have been to kings. ... By the misplacing of
an ordinance.[7] These ... who must bear all wrongs without resistance, And that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

John Knox.
... and then as an appendix to his Early Kings of Norway. ... to his revealed will and approved
ordinance, and, finally ... who had been exiled for his resistance to the re ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 88 john knox.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... no obstacle can offer a successful resistance to their ... whomsoever he pleases, to
dethrone kings, to absolve ... they are done according to the ordinance of God ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.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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