Topical Bible: Kings: should be Obeyed

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of kings is significant, and their authority is often depicted as divinely ordained. The concept of obedience to kings is rooted in the understanding that they are appointed by God to lead and govern His people. This entry explores the biblical basis for the obedience to kings, drawing from various scriptural references.

Divine Appointment of Kings

The Bible frequently emphasizes that kings are established by God. In the Old Testament, the anointing of kings is a sacred act, signifying divine selection. For instance, in 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul as king, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" This act underscores the belief that kingship is not merely a human institution but one sanctioned by God.

Obedience as a Duty

The expectation of obedience to kings is articulated in several passages. In Ecclesiastes 8:2, the Preacher advises, "Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God." This verse highlights the duty of subjects to obey their king as part of their covenantal relationship with God. The king's command is to be respected as it is intertwined with divine authority.

The Role of Kings in Justice and Righteousness

Kings are often portrayed as instruments of justice and righteousness. Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." This suggests that the legitimacy of a king's rule is contingent upon his commitment to justice, and thus, obedience to a righteous king aligns with God's will.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament also addresses the issue of obedience to governing authorities, including kings. In Romans 13:1-2, Paul writes, "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." This passage reinforces the idea that obedience to rulers is a reflection of obedience to God.

Limits to Obedience

While the Bible advocates for obedience to kings, it also acknowledges limits, particularly when a king's commands conflict with God's laws. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles assert, "We must obey God rather than men." This principle is evident in the accounts of Daniel and his friends, who refuse to worship idols despite royal decrees (Daniel 3 and 6).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents a nuanced view of kingship and obedience. While kings are to be obeyed as God's appointed leaders, their authority is not absolute and must be exercised in accordance with divine justice and righteousness. Obedience to kings is ultimately an expression of obedience to God, provided that the king's commands do not contravene God's higher law.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:1,5
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:13
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Justice and the Reason of Effects
... is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. ...
Hence it comes that kings, who have power of a different kind, do not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section v justice and the.htm

Excellence of this virtue.
... and victims, and not rather that the voice of the Lord should be obeyed? ... To this
end we should always invoke the aid of our holy patrons, our ... [4] 1 Kings, 15:22 ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/1 excellence of this virtue.htm

The Impending Conflict
... the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim." 1 Kings 18:17, 18. ...
of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

National Privileges
... the perfect pattern of what a man should be, and ... them, and the other half only obeyed
them unwillingly ... That kings, instead of being shepherds of their people ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxii national privileges.htm

How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ...
... These admonitions she obeyed, and returned to her master and mistress ... and showed
him, that from this son should spring great nations and kings, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how abram fought.htm

That the Gentiles Should Rather Believe in Christ.
... at the hearing of the ear they have obeyed me." [3904 ... and I will break asunder the
strength of kings, I will ... was necessary that the word of God should first be ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/21 that the gentiles should.htm

The First Kings.
... He was obeyed by that unscrupulous general; and when ... aims, indignantly said that
the robber should die, and ... beginning of this history of the kings, suggests a ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

And Yet, by Reason of that Affection of the Human Heart...
... so that we find in the Books of Kings, God by ... falsehood thought himself to be obeying
when he obeyed not. ... teeth of the beast as one whose soul should be thence ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /9 and yet by reason.htm

Of Civil Government.
... to Him to whose will the wishes of all kings should be subject ... The Lord, therefore,
is King of kings. ... are condemned for having too readily obeyed the impious ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... as in all relations their Lord and Master, the house of Jacob, under kings ruling
in ... in which a command to look unto God with confidence should be obeyed! ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm