We Need a King for Our Nation – Part 1

Good Day to each of you reading this column on a King for our nation.

So, what does this have to do with understanding God’s laws and why is this relevant?

Many nations have kings and it’s working out for that nation so, why rock the boat and what’s wrong with having a king? Here, in the USA, our first president, George Washington said the following: When victory was finally secured, Americans everywhere exulted him and many thought he should be king. But he kept his promise and retired his commission, saying “I didn¹t fight George III to become George I.” [11] Source unknown.  — The American Revolution

As fellow Americans were aware, the USA had just defeated the British armies under General Washington and Americans in the thirteen colonies thought he should be made king. Let us fast forward to when Mr. Washington arrived in Washington to become our first president: The crowd grew silent as New York Chancellor Robert R. Livingston administered the oath to Washington, who was visibly moved. As the president finished the oath, he bent forward, seized the Bible and brought it to his lips. Washington felt this moment from the bottom of his soul: one observer noted the “devout fervency” with which he “repeated the oath and the reverential manner in which he bowed down and kissed” the Bible. Legend has it that he added, “So help me God,” though this line was first reported 65 years later. Whether or not Washington actually said it, very few people would have heard him anyway, since his voice was soft and breathy. For the crowd below, the oath of office was enacted as a kind of dumb show. Livingston had to lift his voice and inform the crowd, “It is done.” He then intoned: “Long live George Washington, president of the United States.” The spectators responded with huzzahs and chants of “God bless our Washington! Long live our beloved president!” They celebrated in the only way they knew, as if greeting a new monarch with the customary cry of “Long live the king!” Read more

Upon reading about our first president, I found that he was a man of God and of the people, reluctant in becoming a first president and humble to be chosen as our first president. He was a great delegator of talent and placed wise men around him to assist in decisions for this “young republic”.

Let’s turn to the final word to see what God says about Kings, Leaders & Governing Authorities-

God sets up kings—Turn to Daniel 2:21—He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Turn to Genesis 13:14-18 –The Lord said to Abram after Lot parted from him. “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.

Genesis 14 introduces us to the word “king” – According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, here is the first time we are introduced to the word “king” as this word is used 2259 times in the Bible. Back in Abram’s time, most cities had kings and kings like to start wars, conquer other cities and have those cities pay tribute to the conquering king—Pay Tribute or better yet get money and riches.

As you read Genesis 14, note that Abram was not a “king” but a warrior who came to the aid of his relative Lot. Lot was a greedy, self-centered man who picked Sodom as his home and upon his capture, he faced slavery, torture, tragedy and death. Take a moment and compare the two men—Abram and Lot—So what did Abram do? Look to Genesis 14:14-16—Here is a man of God and of character—He took 318 men and rescued Lot, Lot’s possessions, together with the women and the other people.

Wait, don’t stop reading yet for the rest of the story—Look at verses 17—24—The king of Sodom came to meet Abram and gave him thanks for deliverance from the invaders. Abram met Melchizedek, meaning “king of righteousness” and the king of Salem meaning “king of peace” who broke bread and wine together. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Why?

I firmly believe what God said in Daniel 2:21—He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

So, who is this King Melchizedek? We know that his name means “king of righteousness” and that he was King of Salem, but what else do we know?

I turned again to the Wycliffe Bible Commentary and they shed some light for me to share: This kindly priest-king recognizing Abram’s nobility and worth, supplied refreshment and sustenance for the weary warrior and his men. These gifts were tokens of friendship and hospitality. Melchizedek praised El Elyon, his God (AV, the most high God) for granting Abram the power to achieve victory. Abram recognized Melchizedek’s EL Elyon as Jehovah, the God he himself served.  The name God most high was found in the Ras Shamra documents that date back to the fourteenth century B.C. Evidently Melchizedek had a firm grip on the doctrines of his faith, which were as true and basic as those brought from Babylon from Abram. Each of these stalwarts had something to give and something to learn. (See Psalms 110:4, Hebrews 5: 9-10; 7: 1-7) for the development of the concept of the ideal priesthood and the application of this in the Messianic doctrine.) In further recognition of Melchizedek’s priestly standing, Abram brought tithes as a religious offering.

We have established Abram’s ties to King Melchizedek, but what about the King of Sodom? Look at Genesis 14: 22-24—Abram solemnly promised to God, an oath not to be broken, not to take any booty from the king. Abram’s mission was to rescue Lot not wage war. Abram was not interested in profiting but made sure that his men who went with him would be compensated for their expenses.

I hope you have enjoyed the first series on kings—Next time, we will look at Romans 13: 1-3, 1 Peter 2: 13-14 & 1 Timothy 2: 1-2.

Until next time, may God Bless you and keep you in his safety.

Jeff