Topical Bible: Kings: when Good: Befriend the Good

◄ Kings: when Good: Befriend the Good ►

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In the biblical narrative, the role of kings is pivotal, serving as leaders and representatives of God's authority on earth. The Bible provides numerous examples of kings who, when aligned with God's will, demonstrate the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous and godly counsel. This entry explores the concept of kings befriending the good, highlighting the significance of righteous companionship in leadership.

Biblical Examples of Good Kings Befriending the Righteous

1. King David and Jonathan: One of the most profound examples of a king befriending the good is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, recognized God's anointing on David and formed a covenant of friendship with him. This relationship is marked by loyalty, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to God's purposes. In 1 Samuel 18:1-3 , it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself."

2. King Hezekiah and Isaiah: King Hezekiah of Judah is another example of a king who sought the counsel of the righteous. During his reign, Hezekiah faced the threat of the Assyrian empire. He turned to the prophet Isaiah for guidance and prayer, demonstrating his reliance on godly counsel. Isaiah's prophetic insight and encouragement were instrumental in Hezekiah's successful leadership. In 2 Kings 19:2 , Hezekiah sends his officials to Isaiah, saying, "This is what Hezekiah says: 'This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.'"

3. King Josiah and Hilkiah: King Josiah, known for his reforms and return to the worship of Yahweh, surrounded himself with godly advisors, including Hilkiah the high priest. Hilkiah played a crucial role in the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which led to a national revival under Josiah's leadership. In 2 Kings 22:8 , Hilkiah reports to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD."

The Importance of Righteous Companionship

The Bible underscores the importance of righteous companionship, especially for those in positions of authority. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This principle is evident in the lives of the kings who sought the company and counsel of the godly. Their reigns were marked by wisdom, justice, and a commitment to God's commandments.

Warnings Against Ungodly Associations

Conversely, the Bible also warns against the dangers of ungodly associations. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, fell into idolatry due to the influence of his foreign wives, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:4 : "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." This serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of straying from godly companionship.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative of kings and their associations provides timeless lessons on the importance of befriending the good. Righteous companionship not only strengthens leadership but also aligns it with divine purposes, ensuring that leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:14
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer
... not help thee, whence shall I help thee?' 2 Kings 6:26 ... Thou saidst, I will surely
do thee good;' ver 12 ... Then God would befriend them more than he did his own Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests ... friends to those who had appear
to befriend their helpless ... strange land"may watch for their good, and rejoice ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... befriend you, stand alone and God will befriend you. ... is always believingly obedient,
has chosen the good part ... implicitly obey the command of the King of kings. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the obedience of faith.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Possibly the Moabite prince was not ill pleased to befriend the enemy ... the desert,
the "dukes" of Edom give way only to kings. For this there was a good reason. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... consequences of national sins, you cannot better befriend the land in ... practice of
it themselves, and all good men have ... For the hands of Kings by which they act ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... teaches that believers are all priests and kings; which lifts ... shall repeat his
verdict""all things are very good.". ... though he asked me not to befriend him, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

Christ Our Advocate
... "So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for ...
Can I befriend and help you in any wise? Can I speak a good word for you? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm

Matt. vi. 1
... thou not that even in the houses of kings all tumult ... us, and above all others, God
will both befriend and crown ... will count us worthy of all the good things to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... of that sin, which is thine own heart (1 Kings 8:38 ... Q. Are here all the good signs
that my prayers shall be ... Q. Will you befriend me so much?"A. Yes.1. He that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... He thus, though dead,. May still befriend"what themes? ... In vaults; thin courts of
poor unflatter'd kings; ... The chamber where the good man meets his fate, 631. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm