Understanding the Kingdom of GodPrøve

## The Kingdom of God and the Kings When we flip through the pages of human history, we see a recurring pattern: humanity’s ability to commit unimaginable evil. Looking at the 20th century alone, we know what happens when nations and leaders become corrupted by evil. The Biblical story of Israel is no exception. As Israel entered the Promised Land, they were met with fierce resistance from the Canaanites. God promised to fight for and protect Israel as long as they remained faithful to the Law of the Covenant. While the Israelites feared the Canaanites as their ultimate nemesis, they were completely unaware of a much darker and more sinister foe lurking in the shadows: the idols of Canaan. These idols promised prosperity in all spheres of life, but only if the people offered them their worship. The idols might have appeared to give great prosperity, but it came at a severe cost: the utter corruption of the heart. As Israel became more and more corrupted by their idolatry, they were further seduced by the power, wealth, and fame of the pagan kings. Israel also wanted to have a human king. They also wanted to be able to “brag” about their king. In 1 Samuel 8, we see that Israel’s desire for a human king meant, to a large extent, their rejection of God as their King. God allowed them to appoint a king but gave a stark warning through Samuel the prophet: These kings, corrupted by idolatry, would oppress their people and eventually lead the nation to moral corruption and complete destruction. King Saul, Israel’s first king, started well, but his narcissistic tendencies eventually led to his demise. While far from perfect, King David was one of the very few kings who served God with his whole heart. What made David great was not his morally perfect character but rather his ability to take full responsibility for his sins and repent with a genuine change of heart. Therefore, God promised David that a king would rule from his throne forever. However, with King Solomon, David’s son and successor, idolatry’s seductive powers completely overpowered the nation’s hearts. A civil war broke out, and the nation split into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah). Sin and idolatry fractured the very family God intended to be a blessing to the world. The story of Israel ends with tragedy: God sent the ruthless Assyrians (to Israel) and the Babylonians/Chaldeans (to Judah) to conquer and destroy the nation and send them into exile. Israel was unfaithful. Israel failed its vocation. Take a few minutes to reflect on your own life. Are there any idols in your life? In prayer, bring these things before God. Allow His Holy Spirit to cleanse you.