Topical Bible: Kings: when Good: Honor the Diligent

◄ Kings: when Good: Honor the Diligent ►

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In the biblical narrative, kingship is a significant theme, with numerous examples of rulers who either honored God through their diligence or fell into disfavor due to neglect and disobedience. The Bible provides a rich tapestry of accounts that illustrate the importance of diligence and the honor that comes to those who faithfully execute their duties.

Solomon: A Model of Diligence and Wisdom

King Solomon, the son of David, is often highlighted as a paragon of wisdom and diligence. Upon ascending to the throne, Solomon sought wisdom from God to govern the people effectively. His request pleased the Lord, who granted him unparalleled wisdom and understanding. Solomon's diligent pursuit of knowledge and justice is evident in his construction of the Temple, a monumental task that required careful planning and execution. The Bible records, "So Solomon built the house and finished it" (1 Kings 6:14). His dedication to this divine project brought honor to his reign and established a legacy of peace and prosperity.

Hezekiah: Diligence in Reform

King Hezekiah of Judah is another example of a diligent ruler who sought to honor God through his actions. Hezekiah's reign was marked by significant religious reforms, as he worked tirelessly to restore proper worship in the land. The Bible notes, "Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" (2 Kings 18:3). His commitment to purging idolatry and reinstating the Passover celebration demonstrated his diligence in leading the people back to God. As a result, Hezekiah's reign was blessed with divine favor and protection.

Josiah: Zeal for the Law

King Josiah, known for his zeal in upholding the Law, exemplifies the honor that comes from diligent leadership. Upon discovering the Book of the Law in the Temple, Josiah initiated a nationwide reform to align the kingdom with God's commandments. His efforts are described in 2 Kings 23:25 : "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 diligence in seeking the Lord and implementing His statutes brought about a spiritual revival in Judah.

Contrast with Negligent Kings

In contrast, the Bible also presents kings who failed to honor God due to their lack of diligence. King Saul, the first king of Israel, is a poignant example. Initially chosen by God, Saul's reign was marred by disobedience and neglect of divine commands. His failure to diligently follow God's instructions led to his rejection as king. The prophet Samuel rebuked Saul, saying, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

Similarly, King Rehoboam's lack of diligence in seeking wise counsel resulted in the division of the kingdom. His failure to listen to the elders and his harsh treatment of the people led to a revolt, fracturing the united monarchy established by his grandfather David.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of kings highlight the principle that diligence in leadership, especially in seeking and honoring God, brings about divine favor and honor. These narratives serve as timeless lessons on the importance of faithful stewardship and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:29
See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way to Honor
... Blessed are they who are servants of the King of kings. ... view of serving you and doing
you good as God's church; I shall possibly receive honor from you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

Solomon
... influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil. ... and Solomon's fame increased,
he sought to honor God by ... the world a knowledge of the King of kings. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Ephesians iv. 17
... he such as he is, both good, and powerless; good, that thou ... and the Holy Ghost together,
be glory, might, and honor, now, henceforth ... [309] [Compare 1 Kings 18:27 ...
/.../homily xii ephesians iv 17.htm

Introduction
... Honor and obedience in all things should be rendered unto ... Luther's appeal in this
treatise to kings, princes, the ... works leads to God's grace and good-will, are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

The Calling of the Regenerate:
... No; all spiritual good is of grace to the end ... in the name of the King of Kings demanding
our heart ... life, and person; yet whose value and honor depend exclusively ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the calling of the.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... and painting portraits of kings enjoy so great honor, shall not ... who adorn the image
of the King of kings, (for man ... when we train our children to be good, to be ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... notable one is found in the thirteenth chapter of First Kings. ... false Christians are,
but doers of much good, useful characters to the honor of God's ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Matt. xxvii. 62-64.
... how were they able to stand against kings, and rulers ... to His disciples by these women,
bringing to honor, as I ... which was most dishonored, and to good hopes; and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxix matt xxvii 62-64.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Now we have spiritual lords, princes, kings, who neglect, not ... presence, why should
we his servants not honor it? ... and very zealously engage in a good work, such ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... point of view"bring that man before princes and kings, for the sake ... And would ye
honor God much, and enter heaven, after having fought a good fight and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm