In the biblical context, kings hold a significant position as leaders appointed by God to govern His people. The Scriptures provide numerous references that emphasize the importance of honoring kings, reflecting the divine order and authority established by God.

Divine Appointment and Authority

The Bible underscores that kings are appointed by God and serve as His representatives on earth. In 1 Samuel 10:1, we see the anointing of Saul as king over Israel: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" This anointing signifies God's choice and the divine authority bestowed upon the king.

Similarly, in Romans 13:1-2, the apostle Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing their divine appointment: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been 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."

Respect and Honor

The Bible calls for respect and honor towards kings as a reflection of the respect due to God’s established order. In 1 Peter 2:17, believers are exhorted: "Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." This directive highlights the importance of honoring the king as part of a broader call to respect all people and fear God.

Proverbs 24:21 further advises, "My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious." This verse links the fear of the Lord with the honor due to the king, warning against rebellion and the consequences of disrespecting authority.

Examples of Honoring Kings

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of individuals who honored kings, even when those kings were not righteous. Daniel, for instance, served under several Babylonian and Persian kings, maintaining a posture of respect and honor. In Daniel 6:21, when addressing King Darius, Daniel says, "O king, live forever!" This greeting reflects the customary honor given to a king, despite the challenges Daniel faced under his rule.

Similarly, David, though anointed to be king, showed respect for King Saul, refusing to harm him even when Saul sought his life. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David declares, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." David’s respect for Saul’s position as king demonstrates his understanding of the sanctity of God’s anointed leader.

Consequences of Dishonor

The Bible also records the consequences of dishonoring kings. In 2 Samuel 1:14-16, David orders the execution of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul, saying, "How is it you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" This account illustrates the seriousness with which the honor of a king is regarded and the repercussions of failing to respect God’s appointed leader.

In summary, the biblical mandate to honor kings is rooted in the recognition of their divine appointment and authority. By honoring kings, believers demonstrate their respect for God’s established order and their commitment to living in accordance with His will.Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... CHAPTER 3. How The Kings Of Asia Honored The Nation ... The Jews also obtained honors
from the kings of Asia ... contests which they had from us, they should use such ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ...
... So when he came to these kings, and had made them magnificent presents, he was honored
by them ... throne; and commanded his captains that they should go with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how alexander honored.htm

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
... follow after them, and I will be honored upon Pharaoh ... day." (Deut.2:30) Of the allied
kings of North ... Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii the hardening in the.htm

Joshua and the Angel
The Story of Prophets and Kings. ... and I will give thee places to walk among these
that stand by." Zechariah 3:7. If obedient, he should be honored as the judge ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ...
... about their being thus extolled and honored by the ... would ask, must be exacted from
kings for indignities ... forth the decree that all who should blaspheme against ...
/.../chapter 93 202 petilianus.htm

Whether the Mother of God Should be Worshipped with the Adoration ...
... to the king: whence it is written (3 Kings 2:19 ... the adoration of "latria." Therefore
His Mother also should be. ... Son, because the Mother is to be honored for her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mother of god.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... than the highest, even the King of kings and Lord ... Your worthy Governor has honored
God in his late ... signal favors upon a people, "That they should observe his ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

The Transfiguration
... He must be first. Prophets and priests, and kings, and angels even, are as nothing
to him. ... "How Christ Should be Honored." There is a story told of the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the transfiguration.htm

Whether Honor is Properly Due to those who are Above Us?
... and thus, too, we should all be on the alert to do honor to one another. Reply to
Objection 4: Private individuals are sometimes honored by kings, not that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether honor is properly due.htm

The Way to Honor
... Blessed are they who are servants of the King of kings. ... my Father honor." Does it
not appear too good to be true that a poor man should be honored of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

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