Topical Bible: Kings: should Promote the Interests of the Church

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In the biblical narrative, kings hold a significant role as leaders appointed by God to govern His people. Their primary responsibility extends beyond mere political governance to include the spiritual welfare of the nation. The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions that underscore the expectation for kings to promote the interests of the Church, understood as the community of God's people.

Biblical Foundation

The role of a king in promoting the interests of the Church is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commands that a king must write for himself a copy of the law and read it all his life, "so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes." This directive emphasizes the king's duty to uphold and enforce God's laws, ensuring that the nation remains faithful to its divine calling.

Examples of Kings Promoting the Church

1. David: King David is often highlighted as a model king who sought to promote the interests of the Church. He is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David's desire to build a temple for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-2) and his organization of worship and the priesthood (1 Chronicles 23-26) demonstrate his commitment to the spiritual life of the nation.

2. Solomon: Solomon, David's son, is renowned for building the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for Israel (1 Kings 6). His prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:22-53) reflects his understanding of the king's role in leading the nation in worship and seeking God's favor.

3. Hezekiah: King Hezekiah is noted for his religious reforms, which included the restoration of temple worship and the celebration of the Passover (2 Chronicles 29-30). His actions were aimed at turning the hearts of the people back to God, thus promoting the spiritual interests of the nation.

4. Josiah: Josiah's reign is marked by a significant religious revival. Upon discovering the Book of the Law, he initiated reforms to rid the land of idolatry and reinstate the covenant with God (2 Kings 22-23). His leadership exemplifies the king's role in guiding the nation back to faithful worship.

Theological Implications

The expectation for kings to promote the interests of the Church is grounded in the understanding that political leadership is not separate from spiritual responsibility. Kings are seen as God's representatives, tasked with ensuring that the nation adheres to divine statutes and remains aligned with God's purposes. This intertwining of political and spiritual leadership underscores the belief that the welfare of the nation is intrinsically linked to its faithfulness to God.

Warnings Against Neglect

The Bible also provides cautionary tales of kings who failed to promote the interests of the Church. For instance, King Saul's disobedience and lack of regard for God's commands led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Similarly, the reigns of kings like Ahab, who led Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 16:30-33), serve as warnings of the consequences of neglecting the spiritual responsibilities of leadership.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays the ideal king as one who prioritizes the spiritual health of the nation, ensuring that the people remain faithful to God. Through their adherence to God's law, support of worship, and implementation of religious reforms, kings are expected to promote the interests of the Church, thereby securing the nation's covenantal relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 1:2-4
Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 6:1-12
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... 2 Kings 17:33. ... own work during the week, and to serve themselves, and promote their
own ... and the beggar, seeing that he retained one dollar, should return and ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... than the highest, even the King of kings and Lord of ... gospel, has not a natural tendency
to promote the present ... a mystery in every blade of grass, should yet be ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... that it rather does much to aid and promote it ... can be more insulting than these words,
"The kings of the ... somewhere declares; but lest the parties should rush to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ...
... through very distant regions of the world, and kings and princes should submit
themselves ... that I am erecting, and to obtain and promote that righteousness ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iv the necessity of.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... The kings of the earth stood up, and the ... faith because they apparently believe that
God should change their ... does not require moral courage to promote a program ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church
... of the Church," [194:1] the "King of kings," [194:2 ... teachings of the New Testament
is to promote sanctification ... The true Christian should be happy as well as holy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the doctrine of.htm

Church Abuses.
... and self-sacrifice is essential to promote a healthy ... And, finally, it should be
remembered that if England ... darkening in clouds the levees of kings and ministers ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... that he die " it is not for kings to drink ... the preparation or selling of this poison
should be permitted ... made the duty of presiding elders "to promote, by all ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

On the Roman Pontiff, and the Principal Titles which Are
... Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal ... thigh a name is written KING
of Kings, and LORD ... of light and of righteousness, to promote the interests ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 21 on the roman.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... priests are not usually eager to promote ecclesiastical renovations ... The Second Book
of Kings tells us that Joash's ... as patterns of what religion should do for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm