Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, kings hold a significant position of authority and responsibility. They are expected to govern with wisdom, justice, and discernment. One of the critical aspects of their role is to investigate all matters diligently to ensure righteous judgment and governance. This principle is rooted in the understanding that a king's decisions can have profound implications for the welfare of the nation and the upholding of God's laws.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible provides numerous examples and instructions regarding the duty of kings to investigate matters thoroughly. In
Proverbs 25:2, it is written, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This verse highlights the divine expectation that kings should actively seek out truth and understanding in all situations. The pursuit of knowledge and truth is seen as a noble endeavor for those in leadership.
Solomon's ExampleKing Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, exemplifies the ideal of a king who investigates matters with discernment. In
1 Kings 3:16-28, Solomon is presented with a complex case involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child. Solomon's method of investigation, which involved proposing to divide the child, revealed the true mother through her compassionate response. This account demonstrates the importance of wisdom and insight in the investigative process.
Justice and RighteousnessThe role of a king in investigating matters is closely tied to the administration of justice and righteousness. In
2 Samuel 8:15, it is noted, "Thus David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people." A king's duty to investigate is not merely for the sake of knowledge but to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of individuals are upheld according to God's standards.
Accountability and ResponsibilityKings are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. In
Deuteronomy 17:18-20, the law for kings includes the instruction to write for themselves a copy of the law and read it all the days of their life. This practice ensures that they remain grounded in God's commandments and principles, guiding their investigations and judgments. The king's responsibility to investigate is thus framed within the broader context of obedience to God's law.
Warnings Against NegligenceThe Bible also warns against the dangers of neglecting the duty to investigate matters. In
Proverbs 29:4, it is stated, "By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who exact tribute demolish it." A failure to investigate thoroughly can lead to injustice, corruption, and instability. Kings are cautioned to avoid partiality and to seek truth diligently to maintain the integrity of their reign.
ConclusionThe biblical mandate for kings to investigate all matters underscores the importance of wisdom, justice, and accountability in leadership. Through diligent investigation, kings fulfill their divine calling to govern righteously and uphold the principles of God's kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 25:2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Image of the Beast.
... worship the image of the wild beast, should be killed. ... Ten kings of the Romans shall
arise together, in different ... a council in AD503 to investigate the charges ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm
In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... what it is the Lord's pleasure that we should know concerning ... all, it is not worthwhile
anxiously to investigate a point ... in the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 6:17 ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm
Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... have reconciled, not rulers and kings, but God ... is not so qualified, even if all should
conspire in ... this path of life to investigate all matters thoroughly well ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm
Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of ...
... it only remains that we should also investigate his death ... at all resemble his parents,
but should have a ... had given birth to most powerful kings were attributed ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the origin life.htm
On Rational Natures.
... sins, I cast thee forth to the earth before kings; I gave ... requiting examination in
this place; lest perhaps we should appear to investigate subjects of ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on rational natures.htm
Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
... This is not the place to investigate the interesting question of ... Empire, provided
that the Church herself should recognise the ... Sidenote: The rival Kings of the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xv guelf and ghibelline.htm
Translated from the Greek.
... 2893] quoted from the third book of Kings, which Paul has ... and all who desire that
no meaning should be exhibited ... save the literal one, do not investigate at all ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm
Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... it will not be out of place to investigate the means ... be judged either by the emperor,
or by kings, or by ... Nay, though he should be the most abandoned of all, he ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm
General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ...
... to the Hebrews"without pausing to investigate particular questions ... The same reasonable
method should be pursued with ... the books of Samuel and Kings more fully ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiv general principles of.htm
The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... No one," he says, "of the kings, no one ... of Autun should examine the case, but that
he should call to ... of his fellow-bishops, and so fully investigate the matter ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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