He Who Rules Over Men
“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.’”
David, a man after God’s own heart, recorded these “last words” (2 Samuel 23:1) to teach future leaders how they should rule. Our God is a God of both justice and mercy, and He wants those in leadership positions to judge righteous judgment and to be fair to all.
The basis of right leadership is a reverence for the all-powerful God who sets the perfect pattern of leadership. (Learn more in our article “What Does the Fear of the Lord Mean?”) Jesus Christ set the example of service and sacrifice. We, too, are to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). God’s rule is truly for the benefit of those governed.
For more about God’s government, see our section on the “Kingdom of God.”
