In the biblical narrative, the theme of submission to authority, particularly to kings, is a recurring motif that underscores the complex relationship between divine providence and human governance. The Bible presents various instances where submission to kings, even those who may not align with God's righteousness, is portrayed as a means of achieving peace and fulfilling divine purposes.

David and Saul

One of the most illustrative examples of submission to a king is found in the relationship between David and King Saul. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David consistently showed respect and submission to Saul, who was the reigning monarch. In 1 Samuel 24:6 , David refrains from harming Saul, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. With these words, David acknowledges Saul's God-given authority, choosing to submit rather than seize power prematurely. This act of submission not only preserved David's integrity but also demonstrated his trust in God's timing and justice.

Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar

The Book of Daniel provides another example of submission to a king, this time in a foreign context. Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, served under King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite the king's pagan practices, Daniel remained respectful and obedient, even as he maintained his faithfulness to God. In Daniel 1:8-9 , Daniel requests permission not to defile himself with the royal food, and God grants him favor with the officials. Daniel's submission to the king's authority, coupled with his unwavering devotion to God, ultimately led to his elevation and the recognition of God's sovereignty by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:37).

Esther and Xerxes

The account of Esther highlights the strategic submission to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) as a means of delivering the Jewish people from annihilation. Esther, a Jewish queen, approached the king with humility and respect, risking her life to plead for her people. Esther 5:2 records, "When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight." Esther's submission and wisdom in dealing with the king resulted in the salvation of the Jews and the downfall of their enemies, demonstrating how God can use submission to accomplish His purposes.

Joseph and Pharaoh

Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is another testament to the theme of submission to a king. Sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph eventually interprets Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt. In Genesis 41:40 , Pharaoh declares, "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands." Joseph's submission to Pharaoh's authority, coupled with his God-given wisdom, not only saved Egypt from famine but also preserved the lineage of Israel.

Paul's Teachings on Submission

The New Testament also addresses the concept of submission to governing authorities. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:1-2 , instructs believers, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." Paul emphasizes that submission to rulers is an acknowledgment of God's sovereign order, even when those rulers may not be righteous.

Conclusion

Throughout the biblical narrative, submission to kings and authorities is depicted as a means by which God's people navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining their faithfulness to Him. Whether through the examples of David, Daniel, Esther, or Joseph, the Bible illustrates that submission, when aligned with God's will, can lead to peace, deliverance, and the fulfillment of divine purposes.Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Training of a Statesman.
... All lands are united, they are pacified. ... Even in promoting good measures, it is often
essential not to ... felt to be so detrimental to other kings, unwilling to ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... at, [555]427; again disturbed, [556]431; submission of the ... Kings excel their subjects
in wealth, [1446]421; make ... God by His works, [1456]421; of good and evil ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after ...
... the race." In slighter cases the advice is good; but when ... of thy shame, even when
I am pacified towards thee ... and holiness of those who are kings and priests ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiii the sad case.htm

Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
... of his personal enemies, of whom many were good Catholics. ... for when the dragon has
been crushed or pacified, the little ... [Sidenote: The rival Kings of the Romans ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xv guelf and ghibelline.htm

Peter Stood Up.
... foretelling that we shall stand before kings and princes ... to you may be also for our
good; and that ... but the emperor's hypocritical excuses pacified the patriarch ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iii peter stood up.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... the homage of loyal sheikhs or the submission of rebellious ... of the products of Puanit
to other kings, by the ... sheikhs, as pledges to the Pharaoh of good will or ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... excommunication whomsoever he pleases, to dethrone kings, to absolve ... Lord, and according
to a good conscience; the ... may be the more easily pacified, O Manicheans ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... But this submission could not be reckoned on beyond ... of attaining their object was
by a good marriage, they ... on the most powerful of the foreign kings; his pride ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... Chaldaeans assigned to the lives and reigns of their first kings. ... What was the good
of causing the deluge? ... then he made his resolve.'" Bel was pacified at the ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Xerxes received the submission of the Thebans, the Phocaeans, the ... His good fortune
did not yet forsake him. ... troops in Cilicia, and the petty kings of Greek ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

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

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