Our Hope is not in Government (2)

God governs the nations

God’s gracious rule over the nations, particularly Israel. Also, the divinely established ruling of people by God’s appointed authorities for the good of society and to prevent anarchy.

Psalm 22:28 ESV

For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.

See also 1 Ch 29:12; 2 Ch 20:6; Ps 9:7–8; Ps 47:2; Ps 47:7–8; Ps 66:7; Ps 67:4; Ps 103:19; Da 4:32; Da 4:35; 1 Ti 6:15

Jesus Christ also governs the nations

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

See also Ps 72:8–11; Ps 110:2; Zec 6:13; Zec 9:10; Re 2:27; Ps 2:9; Re 12:5; Re 19:15

The manner of God’s government of Israel was unique

this is tsoaemg oapoinbrpaoij ba]eporh

Judges 8:23 ESV

Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”

See also 1 Sa 8:7; 1 Sa 12:12

God governs individuals

Proverbs 21:1 ESV

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

See also Pr 16:1; Pr 16:9; Pr 19:21; Pr 20:24; Je 10:23; La 3:37; Da 5:23; Ac 17:26; Jas 4:13–15

God has established human agencies for the government of people

Romans 13:1 ESV

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

See also Ge 9:5–6; Pr 8:15–16; Da 2:37–38; Da 4:17; Da 4:32; Da 5:21; Mt 22:17–21; Jn 19:11; 1 Ti 2:2–3; 1 Pe 2:13

Matthew 22:17–21 ESV

Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Government is for the good of society

Romans 13:4 ESV

for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

See also Ps 72:12–14; Ps 82:3–4

Prov 3:5-6

Government is established to prevent anarchy

Romans 13:2–3 ESV

Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

See also Ge 9:6; Ezr 7:26; Pr 21:15; Pr 28:2; Pr 29:4; Ac 25:11; Ro 13:4; 1 Pe 2:14