The king's heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. The king’s heartIn ancient Israel, the king was seen as the earthly representative of God's authority. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) encompasses not just emotions but also the mind and will. This phrase suggests that even the most powerful human authority is subject to divine influence. Historically, kings were often viewed as autonomous rulers, but this verse reminds us that their decisions and inclinations are ultimately under God's sovereign control. is a waterway
The imagery of a "waterway" (פַלְגֵי-מַיִם, palgei-mayim) evokes the idea of irrigation channels that can be directed to nourish and sustain life. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and the ability to direct it was a powerful metaphor for control and influence. This suggests that God can guide the king's heart as easily as a farmer channels water to his fields, emphasizing God's supreme authority over human affairs. in the hand of the LORD
The "hand of the LORD" (בְּיַד-יְהוָה, b'yad-YHWH) is a common biblical metaphor for God's power and action in the world. The hand signifies strength, capability, and the ability to accomplish one's will. This phrase reassures believers that God is actively involved in guiding the course of history, including the decisions of rulers. It is a comforting reminder of God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement in the governance of the world. He directs it
The verb "directs" (יַטֶּנּוּ, yattennu) implies intentionality and purpose. God does not merely observe the actions of kings; He actively guides them according to His divine plan. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's providence, where He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. It encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when human leaders seem to act contrary to His will. where He pleases
The phrase "where He pleases" (אֲשֶׁר יַחְפֹּץ, asher yachpotz) underscores God's sovereignty and freedom to act according to His own desires. It reflects the biblical truth that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). This serves as a reminder that God's plans are ultimately for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His kingdom, even when they are beyond human understanding. It calls believers to a posture of humility and trust in God's perfect will. Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRepresents those in positions of authority and power. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed leader, responsible for governing the people according to God's laws. 2. The LORDRefers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is sovereign over all creation and history. 3. WaterwayA metaphor for the king's heart, suggesting that just as water can be directed by channels, so can the heart of a ruler be directed by God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over LeadersRecognize that God is ultimately in control of those in authority, and He can guide their decisions to fulfill His purposes. Prayer for LeadersEncourage believers to pray for their leaders, trusting that God can influence their hearts and decisions for the good of His people. Trust in God's PlanEven when leaders make decisions that seem contrary to God's will, trust that God is working behind the scenes to accomplish His divine plan. Personal Application of God's SovereigntyJust as God directs the hearts of kings, He can guide our hearts. Submit your plans and desires to Him, seeking His direction in all things. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over the hearts of leaders affect your view of current political situations? 2. In what ways can you actively pray for the leaders in your community and nation, trusting in God's ability to guide their hearts? 3. How does the metaphor of the king's heart as a waterway help you understand God's control over human affairs? 4. Can you think of a time when a leader's decision seemed unfavorable, but later you saw how God used it for good? How does this reinforce your trust in God's sovereignty? 5. How can you apply the principle of God's guidance over leaders to your personal life and decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 13:1This verse emphasizes that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of power are instituted by Him. It connects with the idea that God directs the hearts of rulers. Daniel 4:35Illustrates God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men, showing that He does as He pleases with the powers of the earth. Exodus 7:3Demonstrates God's control over Pharaoh's heart, reinforcing the concept that God can direct the hearts of leaders according to His will. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Brooks, Channels, Desires, Direction, Directs, Hands, Heart, Inclineth, King's, Pleases, Pleaseth, Pleasure, Rivers, Rivulets, Stream, Streams, Turneth, Turns, Watercourse, Watercourses, Waters, Wherever, Whithersoever, WishesDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:1 1115 God, purpose of
1130 God, sovereignty
1265 hand of God
5267 control
5326 government
5367 kingdoms
6708 predestination Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:1 NIVProverbs 21:1 NLTProverbs 21:1 ESVProverbs 21:1 NASBProverbs 21:1 KJV
Proverbs 21:1 Commentaries
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