A Warning to Rulers and Their Subjects

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 23, 1908

A Warning to Rulers and Their Subjects

HERETOFORE David's record as a ruler had been such as few monarchs have ever equaled. It is written of him that he “executed judgment and justice unto all his people.” His integrity had won the confidence and fealty of the nation. But as he departed from God, and yielded himself to the wicked one, he became, for the time, the agent of Satan; yet he still held the position and authority that God had given him, and because

of this, claimed obedience that would imperil the soul of him who should yield it. And Joab, whose allegiance had been given to the king rather than to God, transgressed God's law because the king had commanded it.

David's power had been given him by God, but to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. “The powers that be are ordained of God,” but we are not to obey them contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, sets forth the principle by which we should be governed. He says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 719.