In the biblical narrative, the concept of "walking after the flesh" is often juxtaposed with living according to the Spirit. This dichotomy is vividly illustrated in the lives of various kings throughout the Scriptures, who, by choosing to follow their carnal desires, ultimately despised the ways of God. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into this theme, particularly in the context of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of kings who walked after the flesh, leading to their downfall and the suffering of their people. One prominent example is King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul's reign began with promise, but his disobedience to God's commands revealed his fleshly inclinations. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 , the prophet Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."

King Solomon, despite his wisdom, also succumbed to the desires of the flesh. His many foreign wives led him astray, and he built high places for their gods, which was detestable in the sight of the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been."

New Testament Reflection

The New Testament further expounds on the concept of walking after the flesh. In Romans 8:5-8 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God."

This passage underscores the spiritual principle that those who walk after the flesh are inherently opposed to God’s will, much like the kings of old who despised His commandments.

Lessons from the Kings

The accounts of these kings serve as cautionary tales for believers. They illustrate the dangers of prioritizing fleshly desires over spiritual obedience. The kings who walked after the flesh not only despised God's commandments but also led their nations into idolatry and moral decay. Their lives remind us of the importance of seeking God's guidance and living according to His Spirit.

In contrast, kings like David, who, despite his failings, sought repentance and pursued a heart after God, demonstrate the blessings of walking in the Spirit. David's psalms often reflect his deep desire to align his life with God's will, as seen in Psalm 51:10 , "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative of kings who walked after the flesh serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of despising God's ways. It calls believers to examine their own lives, to seek the Spirit's guidance, and to live in obedience to God's Word, thereby avoiding the pitfalls that ensnared many of Israel's and Judah's rulers.2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:8
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... but ye would believe in Jesus Christ, and walk according to ... and life; but for as
precious as they are to ... who considers in his heart how all kings, all tongues ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... and give over to the devil for his own not only kings and dignities ... Who these scoffers
are, we have said above: they walk, moreover, after their own ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm

This was Antony's First Struggle against the Devil...
... law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after ... He ate once a day, after sunset,
sometimes once in ... to seek what would enervate the body; but they must accustom ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 7.htm

Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent
... that is to say, follow their example, and walk not after ... His people go forth into
the desert, that they might sacrifice ... and sloth want to be my kings; and then ...
/.../iii sermon for the third.htm

Introduction
... Alas, in reality, we walk very little "by faith." But what ... and speak evil of dignities."
Yes, they "speak evil ... the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/introduction.htm

The Christian Described
... he is wiser and better and of more glory and beauty than kings, beget in ... for heaven
at hand, nor out of doubt with them; yea, they shall walk without the ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

V. ...
... to be punished, but especially those that walk after the flesh ... Peter says that they
do not tremble to blaspheme ... small and slight thing to put kings and princes ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... and was the admiration of all; and all kings of the ... interview with him (qu??rebant
faciem ejus) that they might hear ... of the Lord: he did not walk after the Lord ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

Matt. v. 17
... [700] [This addition to Romans 8:1 ("who walk," etc.), now ... [711] Because they denied
the ... verb is, however, rendered "rage" in our translation: 2 Kings 19:27, 28 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvi matt v 17.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... nations." This is said to help Abram to walk before God ... Never be satisfied unless
they are saved too; and if ... to his house was the King of kings, the infinite ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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