Government

God's gracious rule over the nations, particularly Israel. Also, the divinely established ruling of people by God's appointed authorities for the good of society and to prevent anarchy.

God governs the nations

Psalm 22:28 See also 1 Chronicles 29:12; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 9:7–8, Psalm 47:2, Psalm 47:7–8, Psalm 66:7, Psalm 67:4, Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:32, Daniel 4:35; 1 Timothy 6:15

For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.

Jesus Christ also governs the nations

Isaiah 9:6 See also Psalm 72:8–11, Psalm 110:2; Zechariah 6:13, Zechariah 9:10; Revelation 2:27; Psalm 2:9; Revelation 12:5, Revelation 19:15

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The manner of God's government of Israel was unique

Judges 8:23 See also 1 Samuel 8:7, 1 Samuel 12:12

But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”

God governs individuals

Proverbs 21:1 See also Proverbs 16:1, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23; Lamentations 3:37; Daniel 5:23; Acts 17:26; James 4:13–15

The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

God has established human agencies for the government of people

Romans 13:1 See also Genesis 9:5–6; Proverbs 8:15–16; Daniel 2:37–38, Daniel 4:17, Daniel 4:32, Daniel 5:21; Matthew 22:17–21; John 19:11; 1 Timothy 2:2–3; 1 Peter 2:13

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

Government is for the good of society

Romans 13:4 See also Psalm 72:12–14, Psalm 82:3–4

For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Government is established to prevent anarchy

Romans 13:2–3 See also Genesis 9:6; Ezra 7:26; Proverbs 21:15, Proverbs 28:2, Proverbs 29:4; Acts 25:11; Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:14

Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.