Ordering the Kingdom

Summary

This video script explores the biblical concept of kingship, contrasting human kings with the divine kingship of Christ. It delves into the role of a king as a leader who unites and orders the people, focusing on King David as a paradigmatic figure. Through David's story, the script emphasizes the importance of listening to God, articulating a clear vision, and fighting for God's purposes. It highlights the dangers of neglect and self-indulgence, drawing a parallel to modern leadership failures. Ultimately, the script points to Christ as the true and perfect King who fulfills the role that David, and all earthly kings, could not.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bible warns against giving absolute power to a single person, as all humans are fallen and prone to corruption.
• 😀 Christ embodies a unique form of kingship, contrasting with human kingship. His kingship is rooted in divine love and surrender to Him is different from surrendering to arbitrary power.
• 😀 In the Bible, there are three anointed figures: priest, prophet, and king. Jesus is seen as the ultimate example of all three roles.
• 😀 The king's task is to order the people of God by channeling their divine charisms and setting them on the right path. This is similar to how a general or head of a household organizes and directs.
• 😀 A good leader, like John Paul II, always approaches problems from a theological perspective and looks for people to help fulfill the task at hand.
• 😀 David, as the paradigmatic king in the Old Testament, was chosen by God and was defined by his ability to listen to God, even in small decisions.
• 😀 David's role as the sweet singer of Israel shows that a king's ability to articulate and inspire a vision is crucial for leadership. His music and speeches became symbolic of Israel's collective identity.
• 😀 A king's role includes uniting the nation under the worship of God. David's establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant exemplifies this role.
• 😀 Every king in Israel was a warrior. David, in particular, fought many battles, reflecting the military and combatant role expected of a king.
• 😀 The Bible’s portrayal of kingship includes harsh military actions like the 'ban' on cities, which are seen symbolically as a battle against evil forces that oppose God's purposes.
• 😀 David's fall from grace (e.g., with Bathsheba) exemplifies the dangers of neglecting one's kingly responsibilities, leading to personal and national disaster. Good kingship requires constant vigilance and action against evil.

Q & A

What is the fundamental warning about human kingship in the Old Testament?

The Old Testament warns against corrupt kingship, stating that absolute power in the hands of a single human leader is dangerous due to human fallibility and our tendency to stray from God's guidance.

How is Christ portrayed as a different kind of king in the script?

Christ is presented as the embodiment of God's providential purpose, representing Divine love. Unlike human kings, Christ's kingship is characterized by care, love, and wisdom, making surrendering to him vastly different from surrendering to any corrupt human authority.

What are the three great anointed figures mentioned in the Bible?

The three great anointed figures in the Bible are priests, prophets, and kings. Jesus is presented as the ultimate example of all three: the priest par excellence, the prophet par excellence, and the king of kings.

What role does a king play according to Thomas Aquinas?

According to Thomas Aquinas, the king's role is to order the people of God, not by bossing them around, but by organizing the various gifts (charisms) within the people to fulfill God's purpose. This is likened to a general directing an army or a head of a household setting tasks.

Why is David considered a paradigmatic king in the Old Testament?

David is considered the paradigmatic king because he was chosen by God, and at his best, he listened to God, which allowed him to fulfill God's purpose for Israel. His leadership exemplifies the ideal of a king who listens and acts according to God's will.

What is the significance of David being called 'the sweet singer of the House of Israel'?

David's ability to articulate the vision of Israel through song and poetry is emphasized as a key aspect of his kingship. His leadership was not only political but also spiritual, inspiring the people through his words and vision, much like other leaders who rise to speak for their nations in times of crisis.

What role did David play in uniting Israel as a nation?

David united Israel by establishing Jerusalem as the capital and bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. Through his leadership, Israel was gathered around the right praise of God, symbolizing a united nation committed to worshiping the one true God.

Why does the script mention David's role as a warrior king?

David is highlighted as a warrior king because, like all the kings of Israel, he fought to protect and expand Israel. His battles symbolized the fight against the forces that opposed God's purposes. However, this militaristic aspect of kingship is also seen as a challenge for modern readers who struggle with the violence depicted in the Old Testament.

How does the script suggest reading the violent passages of the Bible about Israelite kings?

The script suggests reading violent passages symbolically, in the tradition of the ancient Church. These wars represent the battle between God's purposes and the powers of evil, which stand against God's will. The enemies are symbolic of cruelty, division, and violence, not just historical enemies.

What is the main critique of David's kingship, particularly in the story of Bathsheba?

The main critique of David's kingship in the Bathsheba story is his failure to listen to God and his lapse into self-indulgence. Instead of fulfilling his kingly role as a warrior and leader, David becomes complacent, leading to adultery and murder. This is used as a cautionary tale about the dangers of neglecting one's duties as a leader.