Solomon’s Practical Counsel
Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:17
“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.” - Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 The Living Translation
All authority is established by God, therefore, those who are in power on this earth have either been set in place by the Lord or he has allowed them to reign over their people for a season and a specific purpose. Therefore, Solomon has taken the time to address this issue. Why does one obey the king? Back in biblical times the Jewish people would make a vow before God to obey and serve the king that was in power. If the one who would be king were godly, they had all the power and authority of Almighty Jehovah God behind them. If they were ungodly, perhaps they were allowed to be in power to cause the people to repent to God. The ungodly king may not have the power of God behind them, but Satan’s power, though less formidable, can still drive the king to do evil things to God’s people.
God’s plan was to be the Jewish people’s sole ruler, setting them apart from the other nations, however, the people complained to the Prophet Samuel. What was their complaint? They desired to have a king just like the other nations. (1 Samuel 8:4-22) God told Samuel to give them what they desired, and that started a cavalcade of both godly and ungodly kings going forward. That is not what God desired for the children of God, but because of their free will they selfishly pushed their demand until them received what they wanted.
Like with God, they had a choice to follow the king’s directives or not. With earthly kings, if you said or did something to displease them, you would be punished. With God you might be punished, but in both cases, it would be the consequences of a hand poorly played. Obey and serve the soon coming King and live to please him, for if you do you will have no reason for regret. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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