the kingdom of god the mediatorial kingdom in old testament history part ii

The Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of God

The Mediatorial Kingdom in The Mediatorial Kingdom in Old Testament HistoryOld Testament History

Part IIPart II

ReviewReview

The distinction between God’s The distinction between God’s universal and mediatorial rule (two universal and mediatorial rule (two aspects of one kingdom)aspects of one kingdom)

The germination of the mediatorial The germination of the mediatorial idea in the Torah:idea in the Torah:• AdamAdam• Human government after the floodHuman government after the flood• The PatriarchsThe Patriarchs• MosesMoses

PriestsJudges

From Dr. Paul Benware’sSurvey of the Old Testament, p. 39.

This WeekThis Week

The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to SaulSaul

The Monarchial Form of the The Monarchial Form of the Mediatorial Kingdom in HistoryMediatorial Kingdom in History

The Decline and End of the The Decline and End of the Mediatorial Kingdom in HistoryMediatorial Kingdom in History

The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to Saul (or, Joshua through to Saul (or, Joshua through

Samuel)Samuel) These leader-judges were chosen directly These leader-judges were chosen directly

by God.by God.• Joshua: “Joshua: “No man will be able to stand before

you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Josh 1:5).

These leader-judges were invested with These leader-judges were invested with regal functions.regal functions.• They served primarily as military deliverers They served primarily as military deliverers

and restorers of the authority of the Law.and restorers of the authority of the Law.

The Cycle in the Book of JudgesThe Cycle in the Book of Judges

Judges 2:6-23 provides a good Judges 2:6-23 provides a good summary of the book.summary of the book.

Served theLord

Sinned/Idolatry

Became Slaves

Cried tothe Lord

Yahweh RaisedUp a Judge

Israel Delivered

The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to Saulto Saul

These leader-judges were given a special These leader-judges were given a special endowment of the Spirit.endowment of the Spirit.• True of all the judges.True of all the judges.• Such Spirit-endowment was not always related to high Such Spirit-endowment was not always related to high

moral character.moral character.• Sometimes the effect was purely in the realm of the Sometimes the effect was purely in the realm of the

physical (e.g. Samson).physical (e.g. Samson).• The Spirit endowment was primarily for the purpose of The Spirit endowment was primarily for the purpose of

God exercising His rule through them.God exercising His rule through them. These leader-judges possessed no dynastic These leader-judges possessed no dynastic

rights.rights.• The commission to the judge was individual, and, in The commission to the judge was individual, and, in

contrast to the monarchy that would follow, did not contrast to the monarchy that would follow, did not extend to his descendants.extend to his descendants.

• God remained the king, with the judges and priests God remained the king, with the judges and priests serving as His mediators.serving as His mediators.

The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to Saulto Saul

These leader-judges were genuine mediators of These leader-judges were genuine mediators of the divine rule.the divine rule.• But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor

shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23).

• When you saw that Nahash the king of the sons of Ammon came against you, you said to me, “No, but a king shall reign over us,” although the LORD your God was your king” (Samuel speaking in 2 Sam 12:12).

Conditions were not ideal under these leader-Conditions were not ideal under these leader-judges.judges.• Though they were dark days in Israel’s history, a time Though they were dark days in Israel’s history, a time

when everyone did was right in his own eyes, God kept when everyone did was right in his own eyes, God kept the nation from complete subjugation to a foreign the nation from complete subjugation to a foreign power.power.


The monarchial form foreseen in the plan of GodThe monarchial form foreseen in the plan of God• Both Gen 17:6 and Deut 17:14-20 speak of the future Both Gen 17:6 and Deut 17:14-20 speak of the future

rule of kings in Israel.rule of kings in Israel.• Though God mediated His rule through human kings, the Though God mediated His rule through human kings, the

kingdom was still kingdom was still His.His. Events leading to the monarchial form of the Events leading to the monarchial form of the

kingdomkingdom• Lack of political unity and stabilityLack of political unity and stability• Recurring defeat at the hands of their enemiesRecurring defeat at the hands of their enemies• Moral corruption of the sons of EliMoral corruption of the sons of Eli• Disappointment in the sons of Samuel because of their Disappointment in the sons of Samuel because of their

perversion of justiceperversion of justice• A strong feeling that only that only with a king could the A strong feeling that only that only with a king could the

hopes of the nation be realizedhopes of the nation be realized Even with a king, the nation was still responsible Even with a king, the nation was still responsible

before Godbefore God


The key to the monarchial problemThe key to the monarchial problem• The problem: If the rule of a king was The problem: If the rule of a king was

within God’s plan, why was the request within God’s plan, why was the request displeasing to both Samuel and God (1 displeasing to both Samuel and God (1 Sam 8)? And if it was displeasing to Sam 8)? And if it was displeasing to God, why did He grant it to them?God, why did He grant it to them?

• Answer: They wanted a king for the Answer: They wanted a king for the wrong reason; “like the other nations.” wrong reason; “like the other nations.”


The period of monarchial gloryThe period of monarchial glory• The mediatorial kingdom of OT history reached the The mediatorial kingdom of OT history reached the

height of its glory under Israel’s first 3 divinely chosen height of its glory under Israel’s first 3 divinely chosen kings, and especially under Solomon.kings, and especially under Solomon.

As a warrior, David subjugated the Philistines, secured As a warrior, David subjugated the Philistines, secured Israel’s borders, and brought rest from Israel’s enemies.Israel’s borders, and brought rest from Israel’s enemies.

This paved the way for Solomon to build the nation:This paved the way for Solomon to build the nation:• MilitarilyMilitarily: The nation’s military forces were increased and a : The nation’s military forces were increased and a

“navy” established (1 Kings 9:22, 26).“navy” established (1 Kings 9:22, 26).• DiplomaticallyDiplomatically: Alliances with foreign nations were made, : Alliances with foreign nations were made,

sometimes sealed by diplomatic marriages (1 Kings 9:16; sometimes sealed by diplomatic marriages (1 Kings 9:16; 11:1).11:1).

• CulturallyCulturally: An alliance with the King of Tyre brought skillful : An alliance with the King of Tyre brought skillful artisans into the land (1 Kings 5:1-18).artisans into the land (1 Kings 5:1-18).

• EconomicallyEconomically: This alliance also led to an expansion of foreign : This alliance also led to an expansion of foreign trade (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:22) and the wealth of the nation trade (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:22) and the wealth of the nation grew enormously.grew enormously.

• Note that this is simply a continuation of the rule that Note that this is simply a continuation of the rule that began with Moses; there has been no change in the began with Moses; there has been no change in the constitution or laws of the land, originally given at Sinai.constitution or laws of the land, originally given at Sinai.

Map taken from atlasin the electronicedition of Expositor’sBible Commentary.

The Decline of the Mediatorial The Decline of the Mediatorial Kingdom in HistoryKingdom in History

The personal failure of SolomonThe personal failure of Solomon• In addition to an already heavy system of taxation for In addition to an already heavy system of taxation for

the needs of the kingdom, 1 Kings 10 and 11 point out the needs of the kingdom, 1 Kings 10 and 11 point out very clearly that Solomon violated the first 3 divine rules very clearly that Solomon violated the first 3 divine rules which God gave for the king in Deut 17:which God gave for the king in Deut 17:

He multiplied silverHe multiplied silver He multiplied horsesHe multiplied horses He married many foreign wivesHe married many foreign wives

The rupture of the nationThe rupture of the nation• Solomon’s sin divided the nation, with 10 tribes following Solomon’s sin divided the nation, with 10 tribes following

after Jereboam (northern kingdom) and only Judah and after Jereboam (northern kingdom) and only Judah and Benjamin following Rehoboam (southern kingdom). Benjamin following Rehoboam (southern kingdom). There was ongoing civil war between the two kings.There was ongoing civil war between the two kings.

• Yet the kingdom was not brought to an end, for God had Yet the kingdom was not brought to an end, for God had promised David an everlasting house (2 Sam 7).promised David an everlasting house (2 Sam 7).


Political disaster had been predicted by Samuel (1 Political disaster had been predicted by Samuel (1 Sam 8:7-20).Sam 8:7-20).• Tendencies which would arise to plague Israel:Tendencies which would arise to plague Israel:

Personnel required for government service, both military Personnel required for government service, both military and civiland civil

Unnecessary job making – “captains of fifties” and Unnecessary job making – “captains of fifties” and “runners” before the king’s chariot“runners” before the king’s chariot

Labor scarcity for families, since their sons and daughters Labor scarcity for families, since their sons and daughters would be required in the service of the governmentwould be required in the service of the government

The energies of the state being directed to sustain itselfThe energies of the state being directed to sustain itself Burdensome taxationBurdensome taxation Property confiscationProperty confiscation Political corruptionPolitical corruption Totalitarian control – “Totalitarian control – “you yourselves will become his

servants” (v. 17). Intolerable oppression – “tIntolerable oppression – “then you will cry out in that day

because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves” (v. 18).


The fundamental political errorThe fundamental political error• Israel wanted a king “like the other nations” and was not Israel wanted a king “like the other nations” and was not

content to continue under the system established at Sinai.content to continue under the system established at Sinai. The role of the prophets during the declineThe role of the prophets during the decline

• They served as spokesmen for God.They served as spokesmen for God.• It was necessary for these prophecies to be written, in order to It was necessary for these prophecies to be written, in order to

console Israel during the period of time that she would be console Israel during the period of time that she would be “without a king” (Hos 3:4).“without a king” (Hos 3:4).

• Their ministry was at least fivefold:Their ministry was at least fivefold: Probed the sickness (spiritual, moral, socio-economic) of the Probed the sickness (spiritual, moral, socio-economic) of the

kingdomkingdom Called the nation back to the Mosaic CovenantCalled the nation back to the Mosaic Covenant Warned of divine judgmentWarned of divine judgment Reasserted the inviolability of God’s Kingdom Covenant – “Through Reasserted the inviolability of God’s Kingdom Covenant – “Through

all the bitter prophecies of judgment uttered against Israel, there is all the bitter prophecies of judgment uttered against Israel, there is never the slightest intimation that God’s covenant with Israel can never the slightest intimation that God’s covenant with Israel can be broken or ultimately fail” (McClain, p. 119).be broken or ultimately fail” (McClain, p. 119).

Promise a future and better kingdom. We will deal with this in Promise a future and better kingdom. We will deal with this in detail in the next 3 weeks.detail in the next 3 weeks.

United King.

Northern Kingdom

Southern Kingdom

722 BC

586 BC

The Role of the Prophets During the Decline of the

Kingdom

Prophets

Prophets

The End of the Mediatorial The End of the Mediatorial Kingdom in HistoryKingdom in History

According to McClain When did the According to McClain When did the kingdom of God in history end?kingdom of God in history end?• With the departure of the Shekinah- Glory With the departure of the Shekinah- Glory

(Ezek 8 – 11).(Ezek 8 – 11). The regal significance of the Shekinah-The regal significance of the Shekinah-

GloryGlory• This was the manifestation of the presence and This was the manifestation of the presence and

rule of God, first shown to the nation at Sinai, rule of God, first shown to the nation at Sinai, the one that led them through the wilderness, the one that led them through the wilderness, and the one that filled the tabernacle and and the one that filled the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple.Solomon’s temple.


The historical situation at the endThe historical situation at the end• Ezekiel’s vision of the departure of the Ezekiel’s vision of the departure of the

Shekinah takes place in “the sixth year,” Shekinah takes place in “the sixth year,” meaning the 6meaning the 6thth year of the captivity of King year of the captivity of King Jehoiachin, about 592 B.C.Jehoiachin, about 592 B.C.

• It was a time of severe apostasy in Israel, such It was a time of severe apostasy in Israel, such that even her elders and priests were carried that even her elders and priests were carried away with idolatrous worship.away with idolatrous worship.

The vision of the departing gloryThe vision of the departing glory• The departure was done gradually, in stages The departure was done gradually, in stages

(Ezek 8:4;9:3;10:4;11:23).(Ezek 8:4;9:3;10:4;11:23).• Though the temple would subsequently be Though the temple would subsequently be

rebuilt, it would not have the indwelling rebuilt, it would not have the indwelling Shekinah.Shekinah.


““This departure of Jehovah from His This departure of Jehovah from His temple and land. . .marked a change in temple and land. . .marked a change in His theocratic relations to His people – a His theocratic relations to His people – a change that continues even to this day. change that continues even to this day. They did not cease to be His covenant They did not cease to be His covenant people (Lev. 26:44). His purpose in them people (Lev. 26:44). His purpose in them was still unfulfilled, His promises was still unfulfilled, His promises respecting the Messiah and His kingdom respecting the Messiah and His kingdom were not withdrawn, and He continued to were not withdrawn, and He continued to accept their worship. But He Himself was accept their worship. But He Himself was no more reigning at Jerusalem; the no more reigning at Jerusalem; the Visible Glory no more dwelt between the Visible Glory no more dwelt between the cherubim; the Ark was not in the Most cherubim; the Ark was not in the Most Holy Place; the holy fire no longer burned Holy Place; the holy fire no longer burned upon the brazen altar; there was no upon the brazen altar; there was no response by Urim and Thummim. The response by Urim and Thummim. The people might return, as they did from people might return, as they did from Babylon, the temple be rebuilt, the Babylon, the temple be rebuilt, the worship again set up; yet there was a worship again set up; yet there was a change. They came back from their first change. They came back from their first exile and dispersion, but no more to be exile and dispersion, but no more to be an independent nation. To their original an independent nation. To their original standing as the theocratic people under standing as the theocratic people under His immediate rule, they were not His immediate rule, they were not restored. . . .This cannot be till the Lord restored. . . .This cannot be till the Lord their God again dwells among them, and their God again dwells among them, and rules them through His King of the House rules them through His King of the House of David, in truth and righteousness” of David, in truth and righteousness” (Samuel J. Andrews, as cited by McClain, (Samuel J. Andrews, as cited by McClain, p. 124).p. 124).


The transfer of political supremacy to Gentile The transfer of political supremacy to Gentile powerpower• For 8 centuries, no nation could stand against Israel, as For 8 centuries, no nation could stand against Israel, as

long as she followed the will of her Divine King.long as she followed the will of her Divine King.• Finally, Judah was taken into captivity by the Finally, Judah was taken into captivity by the

Babylonians.Babylonians. 603 B.C. – Nebuchadnezzar receives dream about the 603 B.C. – Nebuchadnezzar receives dream about the

various Gentile kingdoms that will rule over Israel.various Gentile kingdoms that will rule over Israel. 597 B.C. – Jeremiah announces the end of the Solomonic 597 B.C. – Jeremiah announces the end of the Solomonic

line at Coniah (aka Jeconiah and Jehoiachin).line at Coniah (aka Jeconiah and Jehoiachin). 592 or 591 B.C. – The Shekinah departs.592 or 591 B.C. – The Shekinah departs.

A coming prediction of better daysA coming prediction of better days• ““And He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of My

throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the sons of Israel forever. And the house of Israel will not again defile My holy name, neither they nor their kings, by their harlotry and by the corpses of their kings when they die,” (Ezek 43:7).

Why Did the Kingdom Deteriorate Why Did the Kingdom Deteriorate and Appear to Failand Appear to Fail

The lack of spiritual preparation on The lack of spiritual preparation on the part of the peoplethe part of the people

The imperfection of the rulers The imperfection of the rulers through whom the government of through whom the government of God was mediatedGod was mediated

Both of these problems will be Both of these problems will be resolved in the kingdom that is resolved in the kingdom that is coming!coming!

Next Week: The Mediatorial Next Week: The Mediatorial Kingdom in Old Testament Kingdom in Old Testament

ProphecyProphecyPart IPart I

the kingdom of god the mediatorial kingdom in old testament history part ii

Documents

book of judges judges

mediatorial kingdom

priests judges

mediatorial rulers

mediatorial idea

kingdom of god

history slide

spirit endowment