Topical Bible: Kings: when Good: Abhor Wickedness

◄ Kings: when Good: Abhor Wickedness ►

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In the biblical narrative, kings hold a significant role as leaders appointed to govern the people of Israel and Judah. Their reigns are often evaluated based on their adherence to God's commandments and their ability to lead the nation in righteousness. A key aspect of a good king, as depicted in the Scriptures, is the abhorrence of wickedness and the pursuit of justice and righteousness.

Biblical Examples of Good Kings Abhorring Wickedness:

1. King David: David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), exemplifies a king who abhors wickedness. Despite his personal failings, David consistently sought to align his reign with God's will. In Psalm 101:3-4 , David declares, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil." This commitment to righteousness and rejection of evil is a hallmark of his kingship.

2. King Josiah: Josiah is celebrated for his reforms and his zealous opposition to idolatry and wickedness. In 2 Kings 23:25 , it is written, "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 actions, such as the destruction of pagan altars and the restoration of the temple, demonstrate his dedication to eradicating wickedness from the land.

3. King Hezekiah: Hezekiah is another example of a king who abhorred wickedness. He is noted for his trust in the LORD and his efforts to cleanse the temple and restore proper worship. 2 Kings 18:3-4 states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles." Hezekiah's reforms were aimed at purifying the nation from idolatry and leading the people back to God.

Theological Implications:

The abhorrence of wickedness by good kings is not merely a political or social stance but a deeply theological one. It reflects a commitment to uphold God's law and to lead the nation in covenant faithfulness. Proverbs 16:12 underscores this principle: "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." A king's rejection of evil is integral to maintaining divine favor and ensuring the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.

Contrast with Wicked Kings:

The biblical narrative also contrasts good kings with those who embrace wickedness, leading their people astray. Kings like Ahab and Manasseh are depicted as doing "evil in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 16:30, 2 Kings 21:2), resulting in divine judgment and national calamity. The distinction between good and wicked kings serves as a moral and spiritual lesson on the importance of righteous leadership.

Conclusion:

The biblical portrayal of kings who abhor wickedness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of godly leadership. Through their commitment to righteousness and justice, these kings exemplify the ideal of a ruler who seeks to honor God and lead the nation in accordance with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Captivity
... and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly." "They afflict the ... Naphtali" (1 Chronicles
5:26; 2 Kings 15:29 ... the third year of Hoshea's reign, good King Hezekiah ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Antichrist in the Psalms
... "The kings of the ... Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor
the bloody and ... and deceit; he hath left off to be wise, and to do good" (v.3 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm

The War of Truth
... We must hate error, we must abhor falsehood; but we ... From all such things, "good Lord
deliver us!" May ... Those Scotch preachers made kings tremble; they were no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... We must not only abstain from sin, but abhor sin ... between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all
their days' (1 Kings 14:30 ... If we have eclipsed the good name of others, we are ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Now we have spiritual lords, princes, kings, who neglect, not alone ... Corrupt nature
loves itself and does not abhor its own evil ... "Cleave to that which is good.". ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... shall the people curse, and the nations shall abhor him," or ... to hurt himself and
others, so wicked men's good speeches and ... Judges 9:4, so Jezebel, 1 Kings 21:10 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

1 Timothy i. 15, 16
... to their notions, for according to ours, both are good. ... but upon a comparison with
the treasures of kings is very ... not a man for his beauty, neither abhor a man ...
/.../homily iv 1 timothy i.htm

Sanctification.
... not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth ... Yea, in that place of the
Kings he speaks within two ... before we ask him, and while we abhor ourselves so ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xl sanctification.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... to face with their Maker, have to cry, "I abhor myself" (Job ... upon as a mere negation,
the opposite of good; while Mrs ... our sins provoke God to anger (I Kings 16:2 ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by ...
... will, and give place unto his will; abhor and hate ... is nothing else but to abstain
from good works, and ... keep the holy-days; saying, "Princes and kings shall go ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon on the parable.htm