Topical Bible: Kings: should be Reverenced

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In the biblical context, kings hold a significant position as leaders appointed by God to govern His people. The reverence for kings is deeply rooted in the understanding of their divine appointment and the authority bestowed upon them. This entry explores the biblical basis for reverencing kings, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Divine Appointment and Authority

The concept of kingship in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of divine appointment. In 1 Samuel 9:16, God tells Samuel about Saul, "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon My people, for their cry has reached Me." This passage highlights that kings are chosen by God to fulfill His purposes, and thus, they are to be respected as His representatives on earth.

Reverence and Obedience

The Bible instructs believers to show reverence and obedience to kings as a form of honoring God's established order. In Romans 13:1-2, the Apostle 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 underscores the importance of respecting kings as part of submitting to God's sovereign will.

Wisdom and Justice

Kings are also revered for their role in administering justice and wisdom. Solomon, known for his wisdom, is a prime example of a king who was revered for his ability to discern and judge rightly. In 1 Kings 3:28, it is recorded, "When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had rendered, they stood in awe of the king, because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice." The reverence for Solomon was directly linked to his God-given wisdom, which enabled him to lead effectively.

Respect for the Office

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of respecting the office of the king, regardless of the personal character of the individual occupying it. David's respect for King Saul, despite Saul's attempts on his life, is a profound example. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David says, "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 anointed of the LORD." David's reverence for Saul was based on Saul's anointing as king, demonstrating the principle of respecting the position itself.

Prayer for Kings

Scripture encourages believers to pray for kings and those in authority. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." Praying for kings is an act of reverence, acknowledging their role in maintaining peace and order.

Conclusion

The reverence for kings in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing respect for their divine appointment, obedience to their authority, admiration for their wisdom and justice, respect for the office, and prayer for their leadership. These elements collectively underscore the biblical mandate to honor and revere kings as part of God's ordained structure for governance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 24:8
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:23,21
And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A String of Pearls
... ever knew a drunkard who did not scoff at things that should be reverenced, and
that ... Kings who can give full scope to their anger, and who inspire mainly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a string of pearls.htm

A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in ...
... better than my fathers," (1 Kings 19:4) or better than my brethren, who ... God; and
whether such a Being, whom we agree to own, should be reverenced and loved ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xi a solemn address.htm

Cyrus.
... of the Persians, and afterwards of the Greek kings of Egypt ... lot" when the end of
all things should come; and ... His tomb is still deeply reverenced, and no one is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xii cyrus.htm

This ChapterSpeaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with ...
... This is not so with earthly kings; unless we were told their names or ... good; indeed,
it ought to be highly esteemed and reverenced, yet no one should seek to ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ix this chapter speaks.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... in kings' courts, because he is not in kings' courts; no ... sight so catches us, what
if we should love the ... the son of this great man was reverenced, not because ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
... least he who could raise the dead, should exert his ... was all fraud, or they would
have reverenced and adored ... In 1 Kings 17.is the history of Elijah's raising ...
/.../answer to the jewish rabbys.htm

Ephesians iv. 3-Jan
... perhaps ye know the man,) at the time (2 Kings 6:8 ... ought to have honored the man,
to have reverenced him, to ... as he was, so many furlongs off, he should know all ...
/.../homily ix ephesians iv 3-jan.htm

The Mystery of the Cross. A Good Friday Sermon.
... have seen in Christ"and they have reverenced and loved ... did not believe that, I
say"I should be inclined ... was actually and practically King of kings and Lord ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon i the mystery of.htm

The Transfiguration
... while He spoke of His death which He should accomplish at ... who is the Lord of lords
and King of kings. ... the very men whom they had loved and reverenced in their ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xv the transfiguration.htm

Hebrews vii. 3-Jan
... the forefather himself of the priests, what should one say ... returning from the slaughter
of the kings," for he ... that [Melchisedec] was to be reverenced more than ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii hebrews vii 3-jan.htm