Topical Bible: Kings: Set up by God

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of kingship is deeply intertwined with divine sovereignty and providence. The establishment of kings in Israel and throughout biblical history is portrayed as an act orchestrated by God, who is the ultimate authority over all earthly rulers. This entry explores the theological and historical dimensions of kings being set up by God, as depicted in the Scriptures.

Divine Sovereignty and Kingship

The Bible consistently affirms that God is the supreme ruler over all nations and that He appoints and deposes kings according to His will. In Daniel 2:21 , it is declared, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This verse underscores the belief that God exercises control over the rise and fall of leaders, orchestrating events in accordance with His divine plan.

The Establishment of Israel's Monarchy

The transition from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy in Israel is a pivotal moment in biblical history. The people of Israel, desiring to be like other nations, requested a king. In 1 Samuel 8:7 , God responds to Samuel, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." Despite their request being seen as a rejection of God's direct rule, God permits the establishment of a monarchy, demonstrating His willingness to work through human institutions.

Saul: The First King

Saul, the first king of Israel, is chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 9:16 , God tells Samuel, "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel." Saul's anointing signifies God's selection and empowerment of a leader to fulfill His purposes, even though Saul's reign ultimately reveals the complexities of human kingship.

David: A Man After God's Own Heart

David's rise to kingship exemplifies the divine orchestration of leadership. Despite being the youngest son of Jesse, David is chosen by God to succeed Saul. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13 , the Lord instructs Samuel, "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one." David's reign is marked by a covenantal relationship with God, and he is described as "a man after My own heart" (Acts 13:22). David's kingship is foundational for the messianic hope, as God promises that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Solomon: Wisdom and Prosperity

Solomon, David's son, ascends to the throne with God's blessing. In 1 Kings 3:12-13 , God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom and wealth, saying, "I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been anyone like you, nor will there ever be." Solomon's reign is characterized by peace and prosperity, and he constructs the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for Israel.

The Divided Kingdom and Subsequent Kings

Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom divides into Israel and Judah, each with its own line of kings. The biblical narrative continues to emphasize God's role in the appointment and judgment of these rulers. Prophets often serve as God's messengers, calling kings to righteousness and warning of consequences for disobedience. In 2 Kings 17:13 , the Lord warns Israel and Judah through His prophets, urging them to turn from their evil ways.

The Messianic King

The ultimate fulfillment of God's kingship is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The New Testament presents Jesus as the King of Kings, whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). In Revelation 19:16 , He is described as having "a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords." Jesus' kingship embodies the perfect realization of God's sovereign rule, bringing redemption and restoration to all creation.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the establishment of kings serves as a testament to God's sovereign will and His ongoing involvement in the affairs of humanity. The Scriptures reveal that while human kings may falter, God's ultimate plan is fulfilled through His chosen leaders, culminating in the eternal reign of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 12:13
Now therefore behold the king whom you have chosen, and whom you have desired! and, behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 2:21
And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Patient Pleadings
... a puppet set up by Egypt, now another puppet set up by Babylon ... is empty, and the
long line of kings, which numbered ... made a final effort to win them back to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/gods patient pleadings.htm

A Letter from Origen to Gregory.
... The other figure, the word says, was set up in Dan. ... become partakers of Christ,"
[3069] but also partakers of God. ... confounds Hadad the Edomite, of 1 Kings 11:14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to 2.htm

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... 2 Kings 17:33. ... The other will not act unless you present some selfish motive; unless
you say, "Do so, and I will raise your wages or set you up in business ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... the admiration of all; and all kings of the ... While, therefore, he served God without
blame, and ministered to ... all nations, and permitted them to set up idols in ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

The Image and the Stone
... And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall
never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the image and the stone.htm

A Jealous God
... be men who deny altogether that he is lying of kings, and others ... lusteth for that
which is forbidden, it attempts to dethrone God, and to set up the Evil ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/a jealous god.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... endured four hundred and four years under twenty kings. ... Not long after, Nebuchadnezzar
set up a colossal image ... acknowledged the greatness of the God whom they ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Other Beings Besides God are in Scripture Called God this ...
... strut insolently in the names of kings"your Alexanders ... Being shall hold good of
Marcion's god, it will ... You can neither set up equal gods nor unequal ones. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter vii other beings besides god.htm

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... All kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. ... by the Stone cut
out without hands;" for "the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm

Satan and the "Delivery" of Jesus.
... shall die." [5894] But that it was not God who gave ... of the invisible, the kingdoms
which are set up against men ... in regard to them it was said, "The kings of the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/9 satan and the delivery.htm