“It’s Good to be King”
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Helmuth von Moltke was drafted to work in counterintelligence for Nazi Germany; yet his Christian faith made him a resolute opponent of Adolf Hitler. Although he believed it would be wrong for him to use violent force against the Nazis, von Moltke used his high position to rescue many prisoners from certain death. Not surprisingly, eventually he was accused of treason, put on trial, and sentenced to die.
Preaching the Word: Ecclesiastes—Why Everything Matters Chapter 17: Command and Consent (Ecclesiastes 8:1–9)
Helmuth von Moltke was drafted to work in counterintelligence for Nazi Germany; yet his Christian faith made him a resolute opponent of Adolf Hitler. Although he believed it would be wrong for him to use violent force against the Nazis, von Moltke used his high position to rescue many prisoners from certain death. Not surprisingly, eventually he was accused of treason, put on trial, and sentenced to die.
In his final letter home to his beloved wife Freya, Helmuth described the dramatic moment at his trial when the judge launched into a tirade against his faith in Christ. “Only in one respect does the National Socialism resemble Christianity,” he shouted: “we demand the whole man.” Then the judge asked the accused to declare his ultimate loyalty: “From whom do you take your orders, from the other world or from Adolf Hitler? Where lie your loyalty and your faith?”
Von Moltke knew exactly where his loyalty lay. He had put all his hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Therefore, he stood before his earthly judge as a Christian and nothing else. His faith had enabled him to act wisely in government service, and now it enabled him to act wisely when he faced his final hour. As a believer in Christ, von Moltke understood the difference between the proper exercise of authority and the abuse of power. He also knew the wise course of action when he was under someone else’s control and in danger for his very life.
Preaching the Word: Ecclesiastes—Why Everything Matters Chapter 17: Command and Consent (Ecclesiastes 8:1–9)
Helmuth von Moltke was drafted to work in counterintelligence for Nazi Germany; yet his Christian faith made him a resolute opponent of Adolf Hitler. Although he believed it would be wrong for him to use violent force against the Nazis, von Moltke used his high position to rescue many prisoners from certain death. Not surprisingly, eventually he was accused of treason, put on trial, and sentenced to die.
In his final letter home to his beloved wife Freya, Helmuth described the dramatic moment at his trial when the judge launched into a tirade against his faith in Christ. “Only in one respect does the National Socialism resemble Christianity,” he shouted: “we demand the whole man.” Then the judge asked the accused to declare his ultimate loyalty: “From whom do you take your orders, from the other world or from Adolf Hitler? Where lie your loyalty and your faith?”
Von Moltke knew exactly where his loyalty lay. He had put all his hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Therefore, he stood before his earthly judge as a Christian and nothing else. His faith had enabled him to act wisely in government service, and now it enabled him to act wisely when he faced his final hour. As a believer in Christ, von Moltke understood the difference between the proper exercise of authority and the abuse of power. He also knew the wise course of action when he was under someone else’s control and in danger for his very life.
Helmuth von Moltke was drafted to work in counterintelligence for Nazi Germany; yet his Christian faith made him a resolute opponent of Adolf Hitler. Although he believed it would be wrong for him to use violent force against the Nazis, von Moltke used his high position to rescue many prisoners from certain death. Not surprisingly, eventually he was accused of treason, put on trial, and sentenced to die.
In his final letter home to his beloved wife Freya, Helmuth described the dramatic moment at his trial when the judge launched into a tirade against his faith in Christ. “Only in one respect does the National Socialism resemble Christianity,” he shouted: “we demand the whole man.” Then the judge asked the accused to declare his ultimate loyalty: “From whom do you take your orders, from the other world or from Adolf Hitler? Where lie your loyalty and your faith?”
Von Moltke knew exactly where his loyalty lay. He had put all his hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Therefore, he stood before his earthly judge as a Christian and nothing else. His faith had enabled him to act wisely in government service, and now it enabled him to act wisely when he faced his final hour. As a believer in Christ, von Moltke understood the difference between the proper exercise of authority and the abuse of power. He also knew the wise course of action when he was under someone else’s control and in danger for his very life.
Today we will simply touch on a super difficult topic in the life of a Christian. We know that the Father has made it clear that we are to obey the authority structures and institutions of the world. We also know that we are to obey our heavenly father without question. But what happens if they seemingly contradict each other? What happens when government becomes unjust? What happens when the foundations become something other than the moral laws of God? We got some guidance today.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (pp. 181–182). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
teaches us how to exercise the same kind of wisdom as Helmuth von Moltke in our own submission to authority. These verses give us practical guidance for dealing with earthly government, whether good or evil, even in matters of life and death.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-4
How wonderful to be wise,
to analyze and interpret things.
Wisdom lights up a person’s face,
softening its harshness.
Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen? None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.
I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
The grass withers the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.
teaches us how to exercise the same kind of wisdom in our own submission to authority. These verses give us practical guidance for dealing with earthly government, whether good or evil, even in matters of life and death.
The Face
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 182). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
The Divine Right
Your Wish is My Command
The Uncertain Future
The King of Kings
The first thing we will look at today is the transition between chapter 7 and chapter 8 as we take a good a good look at the face of wisdom. Second, we will see how wisdom directs us to interact with those who are in authority over us. Third, we will see how our first duty is to be obedient. Finally, as we look at the divine institution of kings, we can take comfort in knowing that in all things all things are in the hands of the King of kings.
Thesis: Though sin and the pattern of this world cause us to disobey and rebel not only against our Lord, but against the Lord’s servants. It is the comfort in the truth of the Word of God and the power of the Spirit that will lead us to proper submission and obedience in life both under the sun and under the Son.
I. The Face
- True wisdom brings a joy to life that changes everything, including people’s appearance.
True wisdom brings a joy to life that changes everything, including people’s appearance.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 183). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
A. The transition begins with a rhetorical question asked by the preacher king.
Who is like the wise?
And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
A man’s wisdom makes his face shine,
and the hardness of his face is changed.
B. But what of the answer? A rhetorical question but the answer is not just readily there. Some will say the answer is no one, but the second half of the verse seems to imply that Solomon has actually seen some whose faces have been changed by wisdom. So the answer of the question is not no one, but to show how rare and hard it is to find wisdom. How precious and how life changing and appearance altering it is to find wisdom.
C. The man who has the wisdom to solve such vexing problems is rare indeed. Think of Daniel in Babylon. Daniel was trained in the courts of Babylon and the scriptures say that he grew in wisdom and understanding. The Bible says further that “in every matter of wisdom and understanding” Daniel knew ten times as much as any of the scholars or magicians in Babylon. How rare is wisdom and the interpretation of a thing? Later on he turned out to be the only man in the entire kingdom who was wise enough to reveal and interpret the king’s dream.
D. And does not the wisdom of God change appearances? I’m sure we can all testify of people who just look different in a good way when they become Christians. They changed but they all look like they did as well. And why not? The scriptures declare it...
The man who has the wisdom to solve such vexing problems is rare indeed.
The Bible says further that “in every matter of wisdom and understanding” Daniel knew ten times as much as any of the scholars or magicians in Babylon.
Later on he turned out to be the only man in the entire kingdom who was wise enough to reveal and interpret the king’s dream
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 182). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 183). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 183). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
E. Know this... This is more than a metaphor. True wisdom brings a joy to life that changes everything, including people’s appearance. Biblical wisdom brings personal transformation. It makes a difference in our witness, showing people the joy of knowing Christ. It also makes a difference in our relationships. And we can see it on our faces.
This is more than a metaphor. True wisdom brings a joy to life that changes everything, including people’s appearance.
Biblical wisdom brings personal transformation. It makes a difference in our witness, showing people the joy of knowing Christ. It also makes a difference in our relationships.
II. The Divine Right
- Earthly authority is Divine Authority.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 183). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 183). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
A. After telling us how wisdom looks, the Preacher shows us what wisdom does in dealing with people in absolute authority.
I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
B. In their original context, these verses applied most specifically to life at the royal court, but these principles can also be applied to other forms of government, or more generally to any situation in which we are called to submit to God-given authority. The Divine right
In their original context, these verses applied most specifically to life at the royal court, like the palace where Daniel served in Babylon. The Preacher is talking about the divine right of kings, such as the monarchs who ruled over ancient Israel. These principles can also be applied to other forms of government, however, or even more generally to any situation in which we are called to submit to God-given authority.
C. There are hints throughout the passage that the king in question may or may not exercise his governance in a godly way. In fact, verse 9 indicates that earthly authority is often abused. From what the Preacher had seen, whenever one person has power over another person, there is always a strong possibility that it will be used in a destructive way. Yet there is a Divine right.
From what the Preacher had seen, whenever one person has power over another person, there is always a strong possibility that it will be used in a destructive way.
There are hints throughout the passage that the king in question may or may not exercise his governance in a godly way. In fact, verse 9 indicates that earthly authority is often abused
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
D. R. N. Whybray - “on the one hand he counsels obedience and submission to it on the grounds of prudence, while on the other he does not hide the fact that he regards it as brutal and tyrannical.”
R. N. Whybray captures well the ambivalence in Qoheleth’s attitude toward political authority: “on the one hand he counsels obedience and submission to it on the grounds of prudence, while on the other he does not hide the fact that he regards it as brutal and tyrannical.”
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
E. There is a Divine right. So what do we do about it?
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
III. Your Wish is My Command
- How do we honor God by honoring the king?
How do we honor God by honoring the king?
A. Our first duty is … obedience. Solomon says, “keep the kings commands.”
A wise servant will do what the king tells him to do. He will say, “Your wish is my command.” Obedience.
After telling us how wisdom looks, the Preacher shows us what wisdom does in dealing with people in absolute authority
B. The general principle here is submission to the governing authorities who
have the Divine right—something the Bible also teaches in other places. Jesus told his disciples to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (). Paul told every person to “be subject to the governing authorities” (). Martin Luther called this the duty of “political obedience.” Every Christian is called to be a law-abiding citizen and to respond to any godly request the government makes for help. This includes everything from paying our full taxes to answering the president’s call to service when needed.
A wise servant will do what the king tells him to do. He will say, “Your wish is my command” or “To hear is to obey, my lord.”
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (pp. 184–185). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 184). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
C. If we are needing a reason why… here is a really good one. The Oath of God to the king. The “oath of God” is a divine promise—the promise that God had made when he put his king on the throne. Remember that the rightful kings of Israel were the recipients of a royal promise specifically with David, but applicable to all of the kings that followed. The Lord endorsed and supported their kingship.
There is another way to take this verse, however. The “oath of God” may be a divine rather than a human promise—the promise that God had made when he put his king on the throne. Remember that the rightful kings of Israel were the recipients of a royal promise.
D. Therefore the people were obligated to obey. To obey the king, therefore, was to give honor to God. Do you know that we honor God the same way today? Sure, our own rulers have not received the covenant that God promised to David. That solemn oath was fulfilled with the coming of Christ. But in the exercise of his royal and universal authority, Jesus has appointed the leaders of our own government:
We honor God the same way. Admittedly, our own rulers have not received the covenant that God promised to David. That solemn oath was fulfilled with the coming of Christ, who will reign forever as God’s anointed King. But in the exercise of his royal and universal authority, Jesus has appointed the leaders of our own government: “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed” (). Our submission to authority on earth is one important part of our submission to Christ in Heaven.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 185). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
The people of God were obliged to obey their earthly king because he was anointed by Almighty God. To obey the king, therefore, was to give honor to God.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 185). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
E. Our submission to authority on earth is one important part of our submission to Christ in Heaven. So here is the tension...
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 185). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
F. People often wonder whether this obedience has any limits. Must I always submit to the governing authorities, or are there times when it is my duty as a Christian to disobey? The simple answer is the one that Peter gave when the rulers of Jerusalem told him to stop preaching the gospel: “We must obey God rather than men” (). When it comes to a conflict between God and man, we must obey the higher authority. Now this can be tricky.
G. What the Preacher gives us in is practical wisdom for when we are under an earthly authority that is not entirely righteous and we might not be certain what to do. Verse 3 seems to assume a situation in which a public official disagrees with the command of his king. Here the Preacher gives a word of caution: “Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases” ().
What the Preacher gives us in is practical wisdom for when we are under an earthly authority that is not entirely righteous and we might not be certain what to do. Verse 3 seems to assume a situation in which a public official disagrees with the command of his king. Here the Preacher gives a word of caution: “Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases” ().
H. When he tells us not to be hasty, the Preacher is not telling us how fast to walk when we leave the White House. In the ancient world, an audience with the king was a matter of life and death. For example, when Esther went in to the throne room of King Ahasuerus, she was putting her life into his hands (“If I perish, I perish;” ). In this cultural context, a hasty departure from the throne room was really a sign of disrespect, a way of turning one’s back on authority. The Preacher is not saying that we never have a duty to disobey the government in order to fulfill our higher obligation to God. But he is telling us not to be hasty to walk away from or to be disrespectful to any authority that God has put in place.
When he tells us not to be hasty, the Preacher is not telling us how fast to walk when we leave the White House. In the ancient world, an audience with the king was a matter of life and death. For example, when Esther went in to the throne room of King Ahasuerus, she was putting her life into his hands (“If I perish, I perish;” ). In this cultural context, a hasty departure from the throne room was really a sign of disrespect, a way of turning one’s back on authority. The Preacher is not saying that we never have a duty to disobey the government in order to fulfill our higher obligation to God. But he is telling us not to be hasty to walk away from any authority that God has put in place.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (pp. 185–186). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
I. He also cautions us not to take our stand “in an evil cause” (). This would be good advice in any case, but given the context, the Preacher may have something specific in mind. When people are under the rule of ungodly authority, it is tempting to rebel in an unrighteous way. Instead the Preacher tells us to fight evil with godliness.
He also cautions us not to take our stand “in an evil cause” (). This would be good advice in any case, but given the context, the Preacher may have something specific in mind. When people are under the rule of ungodly authority, it is tempting to rebel in an unrighteous way. Instead the Preacher tells us to fight evil with godliness. A good example is the stand that Daniel’s friends took against King Nebuchadnezzar when he commanded all of his subjects to worship him. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (to use their proper Hebrew names) peacefully refused to worship anyone except God alone (see ). Another notable example is Helmuth von Moltke—the man mentioned in the introduction to this chapter. Although he resisted Hitler at every turn, von Moltke refused to resort to violence, for fear that this would make him little better than a Nazi.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 186). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
J. This is not to say that there is never a time to fight against tyranny, including by the rightful use of force, if this is a calling that we have been given by God. But Ecclesiastes cautions us not to respond to evil with evil. Nations apply this principle by following Biblical principles for the just practice of war, including the safe treatment of prisoners. But we can also apply this principle personally anytime we feel the urge to fight against the abuse of authority. When suffering oppression at home or at work or in society, do not let the desire for revenge turn your heart to ungodliness.
K. The most important reason to obey the king’s command is theological. But the Preacher also gives us a good practical reason to do our royal duty, namely, that it will keep us from harm. Remember that the word of the king is law, that the earthly authority of government is absolute: “The word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ ” (). Therefore, if we are unwise in the way that we challenge the king’s authority—or worse, if our resistance is evil—then we may fall under his judgment (see ).
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 186). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 186). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
L. Some commentators get the impression that because he does “whatever he pleases” (), this particular king may be somewhat unpredictable, even dangerous. Whether that is the case or not, it is good to be careful around an all-powerful ruler! If we disobey the king, we are likely to arouse his anger (see ; ; ). According to Derek Kidner, therefore, there are times when “wisdom has to fold its wings and take the form of discretion, content to keep its possessor out of trouble.” Yet the Preacher offers us this encouragement: “Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way” (). This is not an absolute promise, but it is a valid principle. Obedience has God’s blessing. Submitting to the rule of law will keep us safe from harm. This is one of the blessings of wisdom: it helps us know the right way to live, which includes submitting to our government, the way a loyal citizen should.
IV. The King of Kings
-The King of kings will always be wise and always be just.
A. This is our own situation, too, if only we will see it. All of us are under the authority of others. We all face an uncertain future. We do not control our own destiny or determine the days of our lives. We do not even know how to interpret everything that happens in our lives. What, then, is the wise way for us to live?
B. The wise way to live is by submitting to the sovereignty of God and entrusting our lives—body and soul—to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
This is our own situation, too, if only we will see it. All of us are under the authority of others. We all face an uncertain future. We do not control our own destiny or determine the days of our lives. We do not even know how to interpret everything that happens in our lives. What, then, is the wise way for us to live?
- Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (); so if we want to know the wise way to live, we must go to him.
- Jesus Christ is the King of kings (); so when we submit to any earthly government, we are really honoring his eternal kingship.
- Jesus Christ is the Savior who died at his own appointed time, patiently surrendering his spirit to the Father (see ) as he offered his life on the cross for our sins.
- Jesus Christ is the Lord of eternal life (); so he is able to deliver us from death and give us fullness of joy in the everlasting presence of God. Give your life to Christ, and he will save you forever. Your future will be secure, despite all the troubles and uncertainties of life.
C. This is because Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. We have life in Christ because Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures ...
D. The promises continue...
E. Jesus is the King of kings and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He is sitting at the right hand of the Father who gave Him an oath that He will make all of His enemies His footstool. Citizens of the kingdom of heaven, He is our King who is more than worthy of our praise.
The wise way to live is by submitting to the sovereignty of God and entrusting our lives—body and soul—to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (); so if we want to know the wise way to live, we must go to him. Jesus Christ is the King of kings (); so when we submit to any earthly government, we are really honoring his eternal kingship. Jesus Christ is the Savior who died at his own appointed time, patiently surrendering his spirit to the Father (see ) as he offered his life on the cross for our sins. Jesus Christ is the Lord of eternal life (); so he is able to deliver us from death and give us fullness of joy in the everlasting presence of God. Give your life to Christ, and he will save you forever. Your future will be secure, despite all the troubles and uncertainties of life.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (pp. 188–189). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Ryken, P. G. (2010). Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p. 185). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.