Topical Bible: Kings: should Serve Christ

◄ Kings: should Serve Christ ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, kings hold a significant position as leaders appointed to govern God's people. The role of a king, as depicted in Scripture, is not merely political but deeply spiritual, with an expectation to serve God and, by extension, Christ, who is the ultimate King of Kings. This entry explores the biblical foundation for the expectation that kings should serve Christ, drawing from various passages and themes within the Bible.

Biblical Foundation

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of kings who were expected to lead their people in accordance with God's commandments. The ideal king was one who recognized his authority as derived from God and who ruled in righteousness and justice. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 outlines the requirements for a king in Israel, emphasizing the need for the king to write for himself a copy of the law and to read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord and follow His commandments.

The expectation for kings to serve God is further exemplified in the reigns of David and Solomon. David, despite his failings, is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms often reflect a deep reliance on God and a desire to serve Him faithfully. Solomon, David's son, began his reign with a request for wisdom to govern God's people (1 Kings 3:9), demonstrating an understanding of his role as a servant of God.

Messianic Expectation

The Old Testament also contains prophecies pointing to a future king who would perfectly embody the role of a servant of God. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will have the government upon His shoulders and be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This passage is understood by Christians to refer to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the kingly role.

Psalm 2 is another significant passage, where the psalmist declares, "I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain" (Psalm 2:6). The psalm concludes with a call to the kings of the earth to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, acknowledging the Son lest they perish in their way (Psalm 2:11-12).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). His kingship is not of this world (John 18:36), yet it demands allegiance from all earthly rulers. The expectation that kings should serve Christ is rooted in the recognition of His divine authority and the ultimate fulfillment of the messianic prophecies.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes the universal lordship of Christ, stating that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). This call to submission includes all earthly authorities, who are to acknowledge Christ's sovereignty.

Historical and Theological Implications

Throughout history, Christian theology has maintained that rulers and kings are accountable to Christ. The concept of the divine right of kings, while often misused, originally stemmed from the belief that kings were to rule as God's representatives on earth, serving Christ by upholding justice and righteousness.

The expectation for kings to serve Christ is not merely a historical or theological concept but a present reality for Christian leaders. It calls for a recognition of Christ's ultimate authority and a commitment to govern in a manner that reflects His character and teachings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 2:10-12
Be wise now therefore, O you kings: be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Kingly Office
... I am glad Christ reigns, else I should have despaired ... the saints for their piety;
but they serve the Lord ... has this inscription upon his vesture, KING OF KINGS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... he says of Christ: "All nations shall serve Him." [3944 ... as were oppressed with want,
"Because He should deliver the ... earlier, in the book of Kings, [3948] Hannah ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Christ's Ideal of a Monarch
... the Master said when He sketched 'the kings of the ... the Christian realisation of the
conception, should be the ... is chief as he that doth serve'; that expresses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christs ideal of a monarch.htm

Full Redemption
... they had been favourably treated by succeeding kings, till at ... self, God and pleasure,
we do not serve God at ... up I their pantheon, saying that he should be one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/full redemption.htm

At this Time the Nation of the Northumbrians, that Is...
... marriage of their aforesaid king with the kings of Kent ... he had obtained that the
queen should bring forth ... he would renounce his idols, and serve Christ; and as ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ix at this time.htm

Of the Cause of the Incarnation of Christ.
... 579] Walk ye not after strange gods, to serve them; and ... with the works of your hands,
that I should destroy you ... Elias also, in the third book of Kings: [581] "I ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the cause of.htm

How when King Penda was Slain, the Province of the Mercians ...
... king; in which monastery continual prayers should be offered ... for the eternal welfare
of the kings, both of ... their king, they rejoiced to serve Christ the true ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiv how when king.htm

Gentiles Seeking Christ.
... returned, entered Jerusalem as the old kings were wont ... he is Christ." The Christian's
ambition should be to follow Christ, to be Christlike, to serve him well ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/gentiles seeking christ.htm

Psalm II.
... 9. "Serve the Lord with fear;" lest what is said, "Ye kings and judges ... Very excellently
is "rejoice" added, lest "serve the Lord with fear" should seem to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ii.htm

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... 2 Kings 17:33. ... six dollars, keeping only one for himself; and the beggar, seeing
that he retained one dollar, should return and ... They have other gods to serve. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm