Calendar

THE APPOINTMENT OF A KING (1)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15
Deuteronomy 17:14-20

1 Timothy 2:1-4

 

“…that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life

in all godliness and honesty.”

 

THE APPOINTMENT OF A KING (1)
 
There was no need for Israel to have a king in the new land, but the people wanted one. Moses gave guidelines as the Lord commanded him on the selection of the king. Such a king would be set up by God’s appointment. He must be chosen from their nation only and a stranger in no way could be their king. There were qualifications of the king.
 
The king appointed shall not multiply for himself horses. Historically horses were beasts of the battlefield. They were the strength of the army because of their speed and ability to ferry soldiers, weapons and food supply for the army. Without this the army would be weak to carry out any meaningful task. (Of course, this is overtaken today by technology, but the idea is similar.) Any king who would be superior militarily needed to have as many horses as possible. The Lord was telling Israel that their protection did not depend on their might but on the Lord Himself. Thus a king that would be appointed for Israel would have to depend on the Lord and acknowledge His sovereignty.
 
When David became the second king of Israel, he demonstrated from the beginning that success in any battle is from the Lord. He fought many battles but he always consulted the Lord for direction. In many of the psalms he wrote, he showed this truth. He was called a man after God’s own heart because he followed what the law said about a king. A king must be dependent on God in building a just nation. In addition, he must not cause the people to return to Egypt. This land was a symbol of slavery and godlessness. Such a return would mean that they would cease again to be a nation. Above all, they would forfeit their right to serve the true and living God. The king also shall not multiply to himself wives or money. These are expressions of carnal prestige that the world sees as the chief goal in life.
 
THOUGHT: Carnal aspirations are out of place with God’s moral precepts.
PRAYER: Father, may our civil leaders strive to lead the nation righteously.

Search