David’s final words to his son advised him to remain steadfastly faithful to the Lord. As long as the King does this, the Lord will remain faithful to His covenant and Israel will prosper. All subsequent kings will be judged by their loyalty to the Lord as God. Yet we wonder at some of David’s other final words considering he recommended vengeance on his enemies. These do not seem to be the work of the Lord’s anointed. But this behavior is not condoned by the Scripture, merely related to us as what happened. Solomon’s wisdom at this time appeared to have been based on the politics of worldly ways. Human vengeance is never acceptable in God’s eyes. We must give way to justice in God’s way and time.
Solomon’s behavior did not remove his right to rule the Kingdom nor did it allow anyone to rebel against God’s appointed leader. After all, God, not the imperfect man He put in place to rule is King. In fact all governments derive their authority from God to administer justice and punish wickedness. Rebellion against His anointed rulers is rebellion against Him. Now, no government is or has ever been perfect, but most have served to uphold basic human rights and promote justice. The presence of government prevents anarchy in which everyone does what is right in his or her own eyes without considering what the effects such behavior will have on others. Some may argue that we are not to obey governments and rulers who overstep their authority by perverting justice, rewarding the wicked and attacking the innocent. Though it may be permissible to disobey and oppose injustice we may do so only regarding those laws which are unjust.
Comments