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NASB | Exodus 22:28 ¶ "You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 22:28 ¶ "You shall not curse God, nor curse the ruler of your people [since he administers God's law]. [Acts 23:5] |
Subject: Praying Rather than Cursing |
Bible Note: This passage has been much on my mind for some time: "You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people" (Exodus 22:28). This interesting that the cursing of God and the cursing of the magistrate are connected in this couplet. As Reformed folks, we understand that God is in control of every single molecule in the universe. If He were not, then that one uncontrolled molecule might impede His fulfilling a promise. Saint Peter instructs us to "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). It is astonishing that Peter gives this instruction while Nero occupied the Roman Emperor's throne! Paul instructs us roughly in the same time period, "Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (Romans 13:7)." While we have a government which more and more praises the wicked, rather than the righteous (contra Romans 13:4), we must be careful not to violate these clear commands of Scripture. This is a real challenge in a society like our American one. We ought to be praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2), even when they are clearly manifesting the spirit of antichrist. Understanding the sovereignty of God, enables us to do just that! |