Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of being "deposed" refers to the removal of a person from a position of power or authority, often by divine intervention or as a result of moral failure. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the sovereignty of God over human affairs and the consequences of disobedience and pride.
Old Testament Examples1.
Saul: One of the most notable examples of deposition in the Bible is King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. In
1 Samuel 15:26, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, "I will not return with you, because you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel." Saul's deposition serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience to God's commands.
2.
Nebuchadnezzar: The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar experienced a temporary deposition as a result of his pride. In
Daniel 4:31-32, it is recorded, "While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox, and seven times will pass you by until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes.'" This event underscores the biblical principle that God is the ultimate authority over all earthly rulers.
3.
Rehoboam: The son of Solomon, Rehoboam, saw the division of his kingdom as a form of deposition. His harsh policies led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, resulting in the split of the united monarchy into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (
1 Kings 12:16-19). This division was seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment due to Solomon's idolatry and Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not focus as heavily on the deposition of rulers, the theme of divine authority and the consequences of rejecting God's will continue. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often highlighted the reversal of worldly power structures, emphasizing humility and servanthood as the true marks of greatness in the kingdom of God (
Matthew 20:25-28).
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being deposed in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over human history. It illustrates the biblical truth that no authority exists apart from God's permission (
Romans 13:1). Leaders are accountable to God for their actions, and those who fail to honor Him may face removal from their positions.
Furthermore, the deposition of leaders in Scripture often points to the coming of God's kingdom, where Christ reigns supreme. The temporary nature of earthly power contrasts with the eternal reign of Jesus, who is described as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (
Revelation 19:16).
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical accounts of deposition encourage a posture of humility and obedience to God's will. They serve as a caution against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, urging Christians to seek God's guidance in all areas of life. Additionally, these accounts remind believers to pray for their leaders, recognizing that God can raise up and remove rulers according to His divine purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Depose.
Strong's Hebrew
5182. necheth -- to descend... 5181, 5182. necheth. 5183 . to descend. Transliteration: necheth Phonetic
Spelling: (nekh-ath') Short Definition:
deposed. Word
...5493. sur -- to turn aside
... Definition to turn aside NASB Word Usage abolished (1), avoid (1), beheaded* (1),
cut off (1), degenerate (1), depart (45), departed (7),deposed (1), deprives...
Library
StephanusDeposed.
... Book II. Chapter VIII."StephanusDeposed. After the judges had heard these
replies, they ordered the youngest of those who had...
How Wynfrid BeingDeposed, Sexwulf Received his Bishopric, and...
... BOOK IV CHAP. VI. How Wynfrid beingdeposed, Sexwulf received his bishopric,
and Earconwald was made bishop of the East Saxons. [675 AD]....
If any Presbyter or DeaconDeposed by his Own Bishop...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Canon
XII. If any presbyter or deacondeposed by his own bishop?...
The Long Formulary and the Enactments Issued by the Synod of...
... Julius, Bishop of Rome, and Hosius, the Spanish Bishop,deposed by the Bishops of
the East, because they held Communion with Athanasius and the Rest....
Formulary of the Council of Ariminum Approved by the Acacians....
... Chapter XXIV."Formulary of the Council of Ariminum approved by the Acacians. List
of theDeposed Chief-Priests, and the Causes of their Condemnation....
If any Bishop who Has BeenDeposed by a Synod...
... If any bishop who has beendeposed by a synod?... If a bishopdeposed by a synod shall
dare to celebrate the liturgy, let him have no chance of return....
Of the Synod Held at Antioch, whichDeposed Eustathius, Bishop of...
... Book I. Chapter XXIV."Of the Synod held at Antioch, whichdeposed Eustathius, Bishop
of Antioch, on whose account a Sedition broke out and almost ruined the...
The Bishops of the Party of Julius and Hosius Held Another Session...
... Chapter XII."The Bishops of the Party of Julius and Hosius held another Session
anddeposed the Eastern High Priests, and also made a Formulary of Faith....
The Partial Council of Antioch; itDeposed Athanasius; it...
... Chapter V."The Partial Council of Antioch; itdeposed Athanasius; it substituted
Gregory; its Two Statements of the Faith; those who agreed with them....
Council Held by Theophilus and the Accusers of John in Rufinian??....
... Chapter XVII."Council held by Theophilus and the Accusers of John in Rufinian??.
John is summoned to attend, and not being present, wasdeposed by Them....
Thesaurus
Deposed (5 Occurrences)...Deposed (5 Occurrences).
... 2 Chronicles 36:3 The king of Egypt
deposed him at Jerusalem,
and fined the land one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
...Annas (4 Occurrences)
... high priest along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). By the Mosaic law the high-priesthood
was held for life (Numbers 3:10); and although Annas had beendeposed by the...
Abiathar (29 Occurrences)
... These appointments continued in force till the end of David's reign (1 Kings 4:4).
Abiathar wasdeposed (the sole historical instance of the deposition of a...
Jehoahaz (22 Occurrences)
... He fell into the idolatrous ways of his predecessors (23:32), wasdeposed by
Pharaoh-Necho from the throne, and carried away prisoner into Egypt, where he died...
Chronology
... Archelaus wasdeposed in 759/6 (Dio Cassius lv.27 in the consulship of Aemilius
Lepidus and Lucius Arruntius) in the 10th year of his reign (Ant., XVII, xiii, 2...
Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)
... A third time he came against it, anddeposed Jehoiachin, whom he carried into Babylon,
with a large portion of the population of the city, and the sacred...
Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... on the throne, he put Zodak in the room of Abiathar, ie made him sole high priest,
while retaining Abiathar in the priestly office, thoughdeposed from a...
Pontius (4 Occurrences)
... The province of Judea had formerly been the kingdom of Archclaus, and was formed
when he wasdeposed (6 AD) Speaking roughly, it took in the southern half of...
Pilate (60 Occurrences)
... The province of Judea had formerly been the kingdom of Archclaus, and was formed
when he wasdeposed (6 AD) Speaking roughly, it took in the southern half of...
Priest (500 Occurrences)
... Because he joined the party of Adonijah rather than that of Solomon, Abiathar was
deposed and banished to Anathoth, where he spent the rest of his days (1...
Resources
What is the account of Annas and Caiaphas? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Asa in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDeposed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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