Topical Bible: Kings: Supreme Judges of Nations

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, kings are depicted as the supreme judges and rulers of nations, appointed to govern the people and uphold justice according to God's laws. The role of a king in Israel and other nations of the ancient Near East was multifaceted, encompassing leadership in warfare, administration of justice, and religious oversight.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of kingship in Israel finds its roots in the desire of the Israelites to have a monarch like other nations. This desire is articulated in 1 Samuel 8:5, where the elders of Israel request Samuel, "Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations." Despite God's initial warning about the potential pitfalls of human kingship, He grants their request, leading to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1).

Role and Responsibilities

Kings in the Bible were expected to act as God's representatives on earth, executing justice and righteousness. They were to lead the people in accordance with divine law, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, which instructs the king to write for himself a copy of the law and read it all his life to learn to fear the LORD and follow His commandments. This underscores the king's role as a supreme judge, ensuring that justice prevails in the land.

The king's judicial role is further exemplified in the wisdom of Solomon, who famously adjudicated the case of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon's wise judgment not only resolved the dispute but also demonstrated the king's role as a divinely endowed judge.

Kingship and Covenant

The kingship in Israel was deeply intertwined with the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The king was to be a covenantal leader, guiding the nation in faithfulness to God. This is evident in the Davidic Covenant, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The king's faithfulness to the covenant was crucial for the nation's prosperity and divine favor.

Failures and Consequences

Despite their high calling, many kings in the Bible failed to live up to their responsibilities. The books of Kings and Chronicles recount the reigns of various kings, highlighting both their successes and failures. When kings turned away from God and led the people into idolatry and injustice, the nation suffered consequences, including division, defeat, and exile.

For instance, King Ahab's reign is marked by idolatry and injustice, leading to God's judgment upon Israel (1 Kings 16:30-33). Conversely, kings like Josiah, who sought to restore the covenant and lead the people back to God, are remembered for their righteous reforms (2 Kings 22:2).

Messianic Fulfillment

The ultimate fulfillment of the kingly role is found in Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). Jesus embodies the perfect judge and ruler, executing justice and righteousness with divine authority. His reign is characterized by peace, justice, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of kings as supreme judges of nations underscores their critical role in leading the people according to God's law, maintaining justice, and upholding the covenant. While human kings often fell short, the hope of a perfect king is realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 8:5
And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons walk not in your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Kings.
... under Eli, was the last of the judges, excepting the ... the beginning of this history
of the kings, suggests a ... alive to his dependence on the Supreme King; took ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... no rival; the history of Edom knows nothing of judges or high ... A list of the kings
of Edom is given in the ... The supreme Baal was the Sun-god Hadad; another god ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Human Government.
... be the supreme sovereign, and earthly rulers will be governors, kings, and judges
under him ... the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; or unto ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Book 3 Footnotes
... 27:21; Joshua 6:6, etc.; 19:50; Judges 1:1 ... will, and by their own authority, like
the other kings of the ... God gave them such directions as their supreme King and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

On Magistracy
... (Romans 13:4, 5.) To this power, as supreme, belongs the ... ii.13; Judges 20; 1 Samuel
16:12; 2 Sam.1; 1 Kings 11 ... 17:18, 19; 1 Kings 12:28-30; xiii, 2; 1 Kings 22:5 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 25 on magistracy.htm

Professor of Sanskrit, Bengali, and Marathi
... Viceroys have received the homage of the tributary kings of our ... duly chronicles,
by "the Honourable the Chief Justice, the judges of the Supreme Court, the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ix professor of sanskrit.htm

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... would not obey them; and in justification of this refusal, they appeal to their
judges themselves. God is the supreme lawgiver, the King of kings, and the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

Psalm 148:1. PM Praise to God from all Creatures.
... 8 Ye kings and judges, fear The ... while you rule us here, His heavenly honours sing:
Nor let the dream Of power and state Make you forget His power supreme. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 148 1 0 p m praise.htm

Psalm 148 Praise to God from all Creatures.
... In various forms,. Exalt his name. Ye kings and judges, fear. The Lord, the sovereign
King; ... Make you forget. His power supreme. Virgins and youths, engage. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 148 praise to god.htm

Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year
... he returned, and delivered his people by the judges, then the ... as he was not in the
palaces of kings, and is ... it that makes heaven", with all its supreme delights ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jehovah-shammah a glorious name for.htm