The concept of "The King's Divine Appointment" is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and His active role in the establishment of earthly authorities. Throughout Scripture, the appointment of kings and leaders is depicted as an act of divine will, underscoring the belief that God orchestrates the rise and fall of rulers according to His purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples of God appointing kings and leaders. One of the most prominent instances is the anointing of King David. In 1 Samuel 16:1, the LORD instructs Samuel, "Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen one of his sons to be king." This passage highlights the divine selection of David, a man after God's own heart, to lead Israel.

Similarly, the appointment of King Saul, Israel's first king, is depicted as a response to the people's demand for a monarch. In 1 Samuel 9:16, God tells Samuel, "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel." Despite Saul's eventual failure, his initial appointment was divinely orchestrated.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Authority

The theme of divine appointment extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations. Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." This verse emphasizes God's control over the hearts and decisions of rulers, affirming that no authority exists apart from His will.

The New Testament reinforces this understanding. In Romans 13:1, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that all governing powers are established by divine decree, and thus, believers are called to respect and submit to them.

Examples of Divine Intervention

Throughout biblical history, God intervenes directly in the affairs of kings to fulfill His purposes. In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon experiences a humbling encounter with God's sovereignty. After a period of pride and self-exaltation, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges in Daniel 4:34-35, "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth."

Another significant example is found in the account of King Cyrus of Persia. Isaiah 45:1 prophesies, "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him." Cyrus is later instrumental in the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem, demonstrating God's use of foreign rulers to accomplish His divine plans.

The Messianic King

The ultimate expression of the King's Divine Appointment is found in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of a divinely appointed King who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders... Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end."

In the New Testament, Jesus is recognized as the fulfillment of these prophecies. In Matthew 28:18, He proclaims, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." Jesus' divine appointment as King of kings and Lord of lords is central to Christian belief, affirming His ultimate authority over all creation.

Conclusion

The King's Divine Appointment is a profound biblical theme that reveals God's sovereign role in the establishment and guidance of earthly rulers. Through His divine will, God appoints leaders to fulfill His purposes, ultimately pointing to the reign of Jesus Christ, the eternal King.