Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of a king's throne being established by righteousness and justice is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the divine expectation for rulers to govern with integrity and fairness. This principle is rooted in the belief that God Himself is the ultimate King, whose throne is founded on these virtues.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible frequently associates the stability and legitimacy of a king's rule with his commitment to righteousness and justice.
Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." This verse underscores the idea that moral integrity is essential for the endurance and success of a monarchy.
Similarly,
Proverbs 20:28 declares, "Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne." Here, the attributes of loving devotion and faithfulness are linked to the preservation of a king's rule, suggesting that a just and righteous reign is sustained by steadfast adherence to these principles.
Divine KingshipThe Bible portrays God as the ultimate example of a king whose throne is established by righteousness and justice.
Psalm 89:14 proclaims, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You." This depiction of God's throne serves as a model for earthly kings, highlighting the divine standard for governance.
Psalm 97:2 further reinforces this concept: "Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne's foundation." The imagery of God's throne being founded on righteousness and justice conveys the idea that these virtues are not only desirable but essential for true and lasting authority.
The Davidic CovenantThe Davidic Covenant, as described in
2 Samuel 7, establishes a promise from God to David that his throne will be established forever. This covenant is intrinsically linked to the expectation of righteousness and justice. In
1 Kings 2:3-4 , David instructs Solomon, "Keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, and that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: 'If your descendants take heed to their way, to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'"
This passage highlights the conditional nature of the promise, contingent upon the king's adherence to God's righteous standards.
Messianic FulfillmentThe ultimate fulfillment of a throne established by righteousness and justice is found in the Messianic prophecy concerning Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:7 foretells, "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this."
This prophecy points to the eternal reign of Christ, whose kingdom is characterized by perfect justice and righteousness, fulfilling the divine ideal for kingship.
Practical Implications for Earthly KingsThe biblical mandate for kings to rule with righteousness and justice serves as a guiding principle for leaders throughout history. It calls for a governance that reflects God's character, ensuring that justice is upheld and the rights of the oppressed are defended.
Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." This verse highlights the stabilizing effect of just leadership, contrasting it with the destructive consequences of exploitation and corruption.
In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message: a king's throne is truly established and maintained through the practice of righteousness and justice, reflecting the divine order and pointing ultimately to the reign of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Torrey's Topical TextbookProverbs 29:14
The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Throne of Grace
... hearts of all mankind besides, it ought still to dwell in the hearts of kings. ... Grace,
moreover, sits on the throne because it has established itself there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the throne of grace.htm
What is the Sanctuary?
... The abiding-place of the King of kings, where thousand thousands minister ... in heaven,
the dwelling-place of God, His throne is established in righteousness ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm
Of Civil Government.
... Solomon says, [688] "It is an abomination to kings to commit ... the wicked men from
before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm
What is the Sanctuary?
... The abiding place of the King of kings, where thousand thousands minister ... in heaven,
the dwelling place of God, His throne is established in righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm
Solomon
... in uprightness, if he would do what God had commanded him, his throne would be
established and his ... wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment." I Kings 3:28 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm
The Royal Jubilee
... to which the most extended dominion of these warrior kings of old ... two great qualities
as those on which a throne is to be established, Justice and Godliness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the royal jubilee.htm
The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... (Compare 2 Samuel 17:4 and 1 Kings 8:1-3). From all this ... which begins "THE LORD
REIGNETH," and tells of the Throne being established, and ends with the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm
The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... ever before thee; thy throne shall be established for ever ... David succeeded one another
on the throne for 450 ... All kings shall fall down before Him; all nations ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm
The Great Assize
... name is written upon his thigh, King of kings, and Lord ... have their full use and due
honor, and the throne of our King be still established in righteousness ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm
His Future Work
... they shall go away from that judgment throne into everlasting ... of righteousness and
peace will be established on this ... "And in the days of those Kings shall the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm
Resources
What can we learn from the laws that God gave for the kings of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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