Evil Rulers

A maskil [understanding] of David.
When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him:
"David has gone to the house of Ahimelech."
Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
Your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit....
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done;
in your name I will hope [wait], for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
(Psalms 52:1-2,8-9 NIV, amplified)

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the LORD,
They shall inherit the earth.
(Psalms 37:7-9 NKJV)

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.... [The authority] is God's minister to you for good. (Romans 13:1,3-4 NKJV)

Election Day is a week away. The leadership of elected officials influences everything from crisis management of the entire planet to which corner of the planet we choose to inhabit, from health and wealth to life and death. The agenda of some rulers can indeed make their authority seem like a reign of terror.

The corruption of power is not a new threat. Doeg the Edomite used authority from King Saul to slay seven dozen of YHWH's priests and annihilate their families. King Saul employed the full power allocated to him by God in attempt to murder David. Even righteous David used the power of the monarchy to murder Uriah, one of his most loyal and valuable military leaders.

How does one respond to evil rulers? Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret. Trust God's unfailing love. Praise Him for what He has done. Wait upon the Lord. Hope in His name.

King of kings and Lord of lords, all power is of You, through You, and to You. How deep are the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable are Your judgments and Your ways past finding out! Give us assured faith of what is unseen and patient hope for what is to come.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy