The King's Reaction to the Refusal
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In the biblical narrative, the reaction of a king to a refusal often serves as a pivotal moment, revealing the character and intentions of the monarch. This theme is evident in several accounts throughout the Scriptures, where the response of a king to a refusal can lead to significant consequences for individuals and nations alike.

1. King Saul and the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15): One of the most notable instances of a king's reaction to refusal is found in the account of King Saul and the Amalekites. God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul attempted to justify his disobedience, but Samuel declared, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul's refusal to fully obey God's command led to his rejection as king.

2. King Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21): Another example is King Ahab's reaction to Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard. Naboth, adhering to the inheritance laws of Israel, refused to sell his ancestral land to Ahab. The king's reaction was one of petulance and anger, leading to the involvement of Queen Jezebel, who orchestrated Naboth's unjust execution. This act of injustice provoked the LORD's judgment, delivered through the prophet Elijah, who foretold the downfall of Ahab's house (1 Kings 21:17-24).

3. King Nebuchadnezzar and the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3): In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction to the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship the golden image he had set up is another significant example. The king, in a furious rage, ordered the three men to be thrown into a fiery furnace. However, their steadfast faith resulted in divine deliverance, as they emerged unharmed, leading Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the power of their God: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him" (Daniel 3:28).

4. King Herod and John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29): The New Testament provides the account of King Herod's reaction to John the Baptist's refusal to condone Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death. Herod, though initially reluctant, ultimately capitulated to Herodias' demand, leading to John's beheading. This event illustrates the tragic consequences of a king's weakness and susceptibility to manipulation.

5. King Xerxes and Queen Vashti (Esther 1): In the Book of Esther, King Xerxes' reaction to Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before him and his guests is a critical moment that sets the stage for the rise of Esther. Vashti's refusal led to her removal as queen, demonstrating the king's adherence to the counsel of his advisors and the cultural norms of the time. This decision paved the way for Esther to become queen and ultimately save her people from destruction.

These accounts collectively highlight the varied responses of kings to refusals, ranging from anger and retribution to acknowledgment of divine authority. They underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands, the consequences of injustice, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men.
Subtopics

King

King by an Oath

King by Lot

King by Proclamation

King of the Jews

King: Acts As Judge

King: Ahasuerus

King: Baasha

King: Belshazzar

King: Ben-Hadad

King: Called King of Kings

King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before

King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance

King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration

King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever"

King: Chief officers of The Advisor

King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army

King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard

King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests

King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler

King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes

King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors

King: Chief officers of The Recorder

King: Chief officers of The Scribe

King: Chronicles of, Recorded

King: Commissary of

King: Constitutional Restrictions of

King: Decrees of, Irrevocable

King: Deification of

King: Divinely Authorized

King: Drunken, Instances of

King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden

King: Exercise Executive Clemency

King: Extensive Livestock of

King: Hereditary Succession

King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul

King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul

King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah

King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba

King: Influential Queens: Esther

King: Influential Queens: Jezebel

King: Loyalty To, Enjoined

King: Not Hereditary

King: Obedience To, Enjoined

King: Plunder

King: Poll Tax

King: Prayer For

King: Prayer For, Enjoined

King: Precepts Concerning

King: Presents

King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property

King: Religious Duties of

King: Respect Due To

King: Rights and Duties of

King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household

King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe

King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise

King: Taxes

Select Readings: The King of Glory

Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi

Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman

Vicegerency of the Apostles

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Jordan (188 Occurrences)

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Neighbor (123 Occurrences)

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Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences)

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Dust (182 Occurrences)

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Bridge

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Cities (427 Occurrences)

Ciccar

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Ai (32 Occurrences)

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Suburbs (75 Occurrences)

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Cattle (277 Occurrences)

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Plain (113 Occurrences)

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Sea (4178 Occurrences)

The King's Reaction and Elisha's Invitation
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