Topical Bible: Kings: Specially Warned Against: Impurity

◄ Kings: Specially Warned Against: Impurity ►

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In the biblical narrative, kings hold a position of significant authority and responsibility, and as such, they are subject to specific warnings against impurity. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of purity in the lives of kings, emphasizing the spiritual and moral integrity required of those who lead God's people.

Solomon's Downfall Due to Impurity

One of the most prominent examples of a king warned against impurity is King Solomon. Despite his wisdom and the blessings bestowed upon him, Solomon's heart was led astray by his many foreign wives, who turned him toward idolatry. The Book of 1 Kings records this deviation: "For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been" (1 Kings 11:4). Solomon's failure to maintain purity in his relationships and worship led to the division of the kingdom after his reign.

The Law of Kings in Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy provides explicit instructions for kings, emphasizing the need for purity and devotion to God. Deuteronomy 17:17 warns, "He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold" . This directive underscores the dangers of allowing personal desires and material wealth to corrupt a king's heart, leading to impurity and unfaithfulness to God.

David's Admonition to Solomon

King David, aware of the temptations and responsibilities of kingship, advised his son Solomon to remain pure and faithful to God. In 1 Chronicles 28:9, David instructs Solomon, "And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever" . David's counsel highlights the necessity of a pure heart and mind in serving God and leading His people.

The Example of King Josiah

King Josiah serves as a positive example of a king who pursued purity and righteousness. Upon discovering the Book of the Law, Josiah initiated reforms to cleanse the land of idolatry and restore proper worship. 2 Kings 23:25 states, "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses" . Josiah's commitment to purity and obedience to God's law brought about a spiritual renewal in the kingdom.

Warnings in Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, contains wisdom that warns against impurity, particularly in the form of sexual immorality. Proverbs 31:3 advises, "Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings" . This warning reflects the understanding that impurity can lead to the downfall of even the most powerful leaders.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of purity for kings, warning them against the dangers of impurity in various forms. Through the examples of Solomon, David, Josiah, and the teachings in Deuteronomy and Proverbs, the Bible underscores the necessity for kings to maintain spiritual and moral integrity in their leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 31:3
Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. "
... intercessions for all men," and specially "for kings ... Seldom advised, seldom contradicted,
seldom warned, they dwell ... Our own kings, Henry the Third, Edward the ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xxi 1 thess 2 1-2.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... man that sinneth not," saith Solomon (1 Kings 8:46 ... David specially shows that in
the law he saw ... into their signification, with good reason warned the Colossians ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... How strongly we are warned "not to think of ourselves ... himself, saying, I will be
king" (1 Kings 1:5 ... to that of older men than yourselves, and specially to that ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... Domestic slaves, such as Peter is specially addressing, were at the mercy of their
masters; they had no protection against bad temper or injustice, for they ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... that the Lord promises this gift specially to his ... they have transgressed against
thee" (1 Kings 8:46-50 ... Was Peter, after being so carefully warned, ignorant how ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... fragment of the Canon of the Kings, in which ... stages had he not been carefully warned
beforehand and ... Deliver him from himself, speak not against him before the ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... the righteousness of our fathers, and of our kings." "Hear, O ... and that the people
might be warned that they ... pray will be heard, so we are specially enjoined to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Religious Revolution
... He warned the deputation that he and the ... Holy League (1538) as a defence against
the Schmalkaldic ... to avarice, drunkenness, gluttony, and impurity, and given ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Their kings, lords of Susa as well as of Pasargadse ... to rank, received command of
an expedition against the Cadusians ... of the harem, and how he warned Astyages in ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm