Topical Encyclopedia
The term "deposes" refers to the act of removing someone from a position of power or authority. In the biblical context, this concept is often associated with God's sovereign ability to raise up and bring down leaders according to His divine will and purpose. The Bible provides numerous examples of God deposing kings and rulers as part of His overarching plan for His people and the world.
One of the most direct references to God's power to depose is found in the Book of Daniel.
Daniel 2:21 states, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." This verse highlights God's ultimate authority over human affairs, emphasizing that He is the one who orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders.
The account of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel serves as a vivid illustration of God's power to depose. Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty king of Babylon, was humbled by God due to 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: 'It is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that your 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 passage underscores the theme that God deposes rulers to demonstrate His sovereignty and to bring about repentance and acknowledgment of His authority.
Another example is found in the narrative of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul was deposed by God due to his disobedience and failure to follow divine commands. 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 paved the way for David, a man after God's own heart, to ascend to the throne.
The concept of deposing is not limited to kings and rulers but extends to any position of authority. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the reversal of fortunes in the Kingdom of God, where the last will be first, and the first will be last (
Matthew 20:16). This principle reflects the idea that God can depose those who are exalted and elevate the humble.
Throughout Scripture, the act of deposing serves as a reminder of God's justice and righteousness. It is a demonstration of His control over history and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. The deposing of leaders is often a means by which God purifies His people, corrects injustice, and establishes His kingdom on earth.
In summary, the biblical theme of deposing underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. It serves as a powerful reminder that no position of authority is beyond God's reach and that He alone determines the course of human history.
Library
Table of Contents.
... Pope Felix synodicallydeposes Acacius, 75. Enumerates his misdeeds in the sentence,
76.... The emperor Anastasiusdeposes Euphemius by the Resident Council, 114....
Index.
... rights to the Primate of Carthage, 203; confirms Justinian's profession of faith,
at the emperor's request, 204; goes to Constantinople,deposes Anthimus and...
Cliv. Report of the Same to the Senate of Constantinople. this...
... Moved by these things the holy Synod, which has refused to accept his devices for
the damage of the faith, for the aforesaid reasonsdeposes him....
General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... 400; foils plans of Ga??nas, [2813]401; prudence in governing the Church, [2814]402;
miracle during his administration, [2815]403;deposes thirteen bishops in...
1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... And in the next place, he limits not the matter to the Corinthians merely, but himself
also hedeposes from this right of judging; saying, that to decree such...
General Chronological Table of the Life of S. Athanasius.
... Visitation of the Thebaid: ordains Pachomius presbyter. 330. Council at Antioch
deposes Eustathius. 331. Athanasius defends himself before Constantine. 334....
If any One, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Fast on Sunday...
... Canon LXIV. of the Apostolic Canons cuts off such of the laity as shall so fast,
anddeposes such of the clergy. See also Canon LV. of the Council in Trullo....
Whosoever Shall Presume to Set Aside the Decree of the Holy and...
... an alien from the Church, as one who not only heaps sins upon himself, but who is
also the cause of destruction and subversion to many; and itdeposes not only...
Sovereignty of God in Administration
... Why not? If one nationdeposes its rulers and repudiates its constitution,
what is there to prevent all nations from doing the same?...
Chronological Tables to Accompany the History and Life of...
... 446 (c). Composition of the "Dialogues.". 448. Dioscorusdeposes Iren??us of Tyre.
449. (March 30.) Edict confining Theodoret within the limits of his diocese....
Thesaurus
Deposes (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Deposes (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:21 He changes
the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up
...Deposed (5 Occurrences)
Deposeth (1 Occurrence)
Resources
How should a Christian view politics? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow evil men like Hitler and Saddam to come into power? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus