Definition:
Abuse of power refers to the misuse of authority for personal gain or to oppress others. In the biblical context, it often involves leaders or individuals in positions of authority who exploit their power contrary to God's commandments and principles of justice and righteousness.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. King Saul's Jealousy and Persecution of David:
King Saul, the first king of Israel, provides a classic example of abuse of power. Consumed by jealousy over David's popularity and God's favor upon him, Saul repeatedly sought to kill David. This is evident in 1 Samuel 18:10-11 : "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul hurled the spear, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice."

2. King Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard:
King Ahab of Israel, influenced by his wife Jezebel, abused his royal power to seize Naboth's vineyard. This act of injustice is recorded in 1 Kings 21:15-16 : "As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, 'Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to sell it to you. He is no longer alive, but dead.' When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard."

3. The Pharisees and Religious Authority:
The Pharisees, religious leaders during Jesus' time, often misused their authority to burden the people with legalistic demands while neglecting justice and mercy. Jesus rebuked them in Matthew 23:4 : "They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."

4. The Parable of the Unjust Judge:
Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and the contrast between human and divine justice. The judge, who neither feared God nor respected people, is depicted as abusing his power by initially refusing to grant justice to a persistent widow. Luke 18:4-5 states: "For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.'"

5. Warnings Against Oppression:
The Bible consistently warns against the oppression of the vulnerable, emphasizing that God will judge those who misuse their power. In Isaiah 10:1-2 , the prophet declares: "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless."

6. The Role of Righteous Leadership:
Scripture highlights the importance of righteous leadership that serves others rather than exploiting them. In Mark 10:42-44 , Jesus teaches His disciples: "You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all."

Theological Implications:

Abuse of power is fundamentally at odds with the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility. It reflects a departure from God's design for leadership, which is intended to serve and uplift others. The Bible calls for accountability and righteousness in the exercise of authority, reminding believers that all power ultimately belongs to God and should be wielded in accordance with His will.