In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon asked, “Who is as the wise man? and who knows the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed”, and in chapter eight and verse two of his book Solomon said, “I counsel you to keep the king's commandment” where we read,
I counsel you to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
The verse reads, “I counsel you to keep the king's commandment, …” Solomon began with the words, “I counsel you” or “I, Solomon, advise you, readers of Solomon’s words” “to keep the king’s commandment” which means “to guard, observe, give heed to, protect and obey the royal ruler and leader’s word, speech and sentence”. Solomon advised his readers to observe and obey the royal ruler’s words and orders.
The verse goes on to say, “… and that in regard of the oath of God.” Solomon continued with the words, “and that in regard” or “and keeping the king’s commandment with the order, manner, cause and reason” “of the oath” which means “pertaining to the attesting of innocence and that which is sworn” “of God” or “belonging to the Supreme Deity Jehovah God”. Solomon said his readers were to obey the royal ruler’s orders because they swore to God that they would.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how we are to obey the royal ruler’s words because we have sworn to God that we will. Of course this applies as the “royal ruler” does not violate the word of God by asking us to obey a “commandment” that is against God, but otherwise we are to commit to observe the laws of the authorities. God is the ultimate law-giver, and to disobey Him is not only sin, but is also a rebellious act as well. God loves us, and even as we have violated His commandments and performed acts that are against Him, He still sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on a cross for the sins of everyone. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through belief and trust in Him for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit so we will obey the God fearing laws of our authorities and keep in alignment with Him.
Next time Solomon says, “be not hasty to go out of his sight”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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