Topical Bible: Kings: should Fear God

◄ Kings: should Fear God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of kings fearing God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience to God for those in positions of authority. This principle is rooted in the understanding that all authority ultimately derives from God, and rulers are accountable to Him for their actions and decisions.

Biblical Foundation

The fear of God is foundational for kings, as it establishes the basis for righteous and just governance. In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God provides specific instructions for the king of Israel: "When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes, and so that his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen and he will not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel" . This passage underscores the necessity for a king to immerse himself in God's law, fostering a fear of the Lord that guides his rule.

Examples of Kings Who Feared God

1. David: King David is often cited as a model king who feared God. Despite his imperfections, David consistently sought God's guidance and repented when he sinned. His psalms frequently express a deep reverence for God, as seen in Psalm 25:12, "Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose" .

2. Josiah: King Josiah is another example of a king who feared God. Upon discovering the Book of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance and led the nation in a covenant renewal, as recorded in 2 Kings 22-23. His actions demonstrate a profound respect for God's commandments and a desire to align his reign with divine will.

Consequences of Lacking Fear of God

Conversely, the Bible also provides examples of kings who failed to fear God, leading to their downfall. King Saul, the first king of Israel, is a prominent example. His disobedience and lack of reverence for God's commands ultimately resulted in his rejection by God, as noted in 1 Samuel 15:22-23: "But Samuel declared: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king'" .

Theological Implications

The fear of God for kings is not merely about being afraid of divine retribution but involves a profound respect and awe for God's holiness, justice, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . For a king, this wisdom is crucial in making decisions that honor God and promote the welfare of the people.

Practical Application

For contemporary leaders, the biblical mandate for kings to fear God serves as a timeless principle. It calls for humility, accountability, and a commitment to justice and righteousness. Leaders are encouraged to seek God's guidance, prioritize His commandments, and govern with integrity, recognizing that their authority is a stewardship entrusted to them by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 17:19
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Word that Scatters Fear
... Chedorlaomer and all the allied kings are nothing; 'a noise,' as the prophet said
of a ... The possession of His love should put away all fear, since having ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the word that scatters fear.htm

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... 2 Kings 17:33. ... Who are they who, while they profess to fear the Lord, serve their
own gods ... is necessary for his employer, who pays him his wages, he should reply ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm

The Confession of St. Patrick
... From time to time I gave rewards to the kings? ... For which reason I should make return
for all that he ... But I entreat those who believe in and fear God? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/patrick/the confession of st patrick/

How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear.
... O ye kings understand: receive instruction, you that judge the ... Yet this fear would
be blameworthy if it contained in it ... of holy love; for he who should say: I ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xviii how love makes.htm

Heathen Plots
The Story of Prophets and Kings. ... been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should
fear and shun ... It is the speech of timeservers, and should be resisted as ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... was the admiration of all; and all kings of the ... of old time, but ought ourselves
to fear, lest perchance ... instruction unto us, and that we should understand that ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

Psalm II.
... and so be redeemed from death, and possessed by God. ... with fear;" lest what is said,
"Ye kings and judges ... added, lest "serve the Lord with fear" should seem to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ii.htm

Of the Constant Falsehood of the Devil, and of the Powers and ...
... me chiefs are raised up, and by me kings rule the ... the devil; but He gave directions
that tribute should be paid ... as his enemy, and engaged without fear in every ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv of the constant falsehood.htm

"Then the Fire of the Lord Fell. " 1 Kings xviii. 38
... "THEN THE FIRE OF THE LORD FELL." 1 KINGS xviii. ... Why should not future writers say
Jones or Robinson, or whatever ... What the enemies of Jesus have to fear is for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lvi then the fire of.htm

For Though a Man Should be by no Means Greatly Advantaged by ...
... Moreover, it is proper that the righteous man should not seem to be so overmuch,
nor exceedingly and above ... But he who in the fear of God submits himself, [88 ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter vii for though a.htm