Topical Bible: Kings: should Study the Scriptures

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The role of kings in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, encompassing leadership, governance, and spiritual responsibility. One of the critical aspects of a king's duty, as outlined in the Scriptures, is the study and adherence to God's Word. This responsibility is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding a king's reign and ensuring the prosperity and spiritual health of the nation.

Biblical Mandate for Kings to Study the Scriptures

The directive for kings to study the Scriptures is explicitly stated in the Book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 17:18-20 , God commands that when a king takes the throne, he must write for himself a copy of the law, "from the scroll that is before the Levitical priests." This personal copy of the law is to remain with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life. The purpose of this continuous study is to ensure that the king learns to fear the Lord, keeps all the words of the law, and follows them diligently. This practice is intended to prevent the king from becoming proud and turning away from God's commandments, thereby prolonging his reign and that of his descendants.

Examples of Kings and Their Relationship with Scripture

Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, the relationship between kings and the Scriptures varied significantly, often correlating with the spiritual and political fortunes of the nation.

1. King David: David is often celebrated for his devotion to God's Word. Although not without personal failings, David's psalms reflect a deep reverence for God's law and a desire to meditate on it continually. Psalm 119, attributed to David, is a profound testament to the love and respect he held for God's statutes.

2. King Solomon: Solomon, David's son, began his reign with a request for wisdom to govern God's people (1 Kings 3:9). His early years were marked by adherence to divine wisdom, as evidenced by his compilation of proverbs and writings. However, Solomon's later years saw a departure from God's commands, leading to idolatry and the eventual division of the kingdom.

3. King Josiah: Josiah is a notable example of a king who rediscovered the Scriptures and led a national revival. During his reign, the Book of the Law was found in the temple, prompting Josiah to renew the covenant with the Lord and initiate widespread reforms (2 Kings 22-23). His commitment to the Scriptures brought about a temporary spiritual renewal in Judah.

4. King Hezekiah: Hezekiah is another king who demonstrated a commitment to God's Word. His reign was marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, as he sought to align the nation with the teachings of the Scriptures (2 Kings 18:5-6).

Theological Implications

The study of the Scriptures by kings is not merely a historical or cultural practice but carries profound theological implications. It signifies the recognition of God's sovereignty over human authority and the necessity of divine guidance in governance. By immersing themselves in God's Word, kings were to model obedience and humility, setting a standard for the nation to follow.

The biblical mandate for kings to study the Scriptures serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of God's Word in leadership. It underscores the belief that true wisdom and justice are rooted in divine revelation, and that adherence to God's commands is essential for righteous and effective governance.

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

Origen's Earnest Study of the Divine Scriptures.
... of it as a basis for his study of the ... Proverbs, Song of Songs, minor prophets, Kings,
&c.; the ... the Jews of falsifyng their Scriptures, which should agree with ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xvi origens earnest study of.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... death as told in Chronicles tally with the account in Kings. ... not nearly so well
remembered now as they should be ... say a few words on the devotional study of the ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... indicate that wealth abounded and that kings and other ... No study of this period would
be complete ... and from secular history the student should become acquainted ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

Christ's Advent Foretold.
... them, with his soldiers; and how He should be believed ... Be wise now, therefore, O
ye kings; be instructed ... and was stimulating his readers to study the Scriptures ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xl christs advent foretold.htm

A Spiritual Revival
... mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia ... Levites, and all Israel, to swear
that they should do according ... there sprang up a revival in the study of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 51 a spiritual revival.htm

Letter of Origen to Gregory.
... For we require to study the divine writings deeply, lest we should speak of them
faster than we think; and while you study these divine ... [4451] 1 Kings 11:14 ...
/.../unknown/the passion of the scillitan martyrs/letter of origen to gregory.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... for the express purpose that it should be a ... our readers to pursue further this
entrancing study for themselves. ... And just as Israel's kings became more and more ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... It is the former of these that we are first to study. ... Why the Jews should have called
Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and the Kings books of the Prophets is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

The True Christian Life
... to the future when he shall be crowned King of kings and Lord ... God's desire for us
we have only to study the Scriptures, and if we should fulfill his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm

An American Reformer.
... Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." These three kings, in originating ... appear
a sin, something of which men should be ashamed, to study the prophecies ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm