Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the theme of a king's anger and subsequent consultation is a recurring motif that highlights the interplay between divine providence, human emotion, and wise counsel. This theme is particularly evident in the accounts of several kings throughout the Scriptures, where anger often serves as a catalyst for seeking advice or making critical decisions.
King Saul's Anger and ConsultationOne of the earliest examples is King Saul, whose anger is frequently documented in the books of Samuel. Saul's jealousy and wrath towards David, who was gaining popularity among the Israelites, led him to seek counsel from various sources, including his own advisors and, ultimately, the witch of Endor. In
1 Samuel 20:30-31 , Saul's anger is vividly described: "Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!'"
King Ahasuerus' Anger and ConsultationAnother significant instance is found in the Book of Esther, where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) becomes enraged with Queen Vashti for her refusal to appear before him. His anger leads him to consult with his wise men, who advise him to depose Vashti to prevent other women in the kingdom from disobeying their husbands.
Esther 1:12-13 states, "Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by the eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him. Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice."
King Nebuchadnezzar's Anger and ConsultationIn the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar's anger is another example. His fury is kindled when his wise men fail to interpret his dream, leading him to decree their execution. However, Daniel's intervention, through divine revelation, not only saves the wise men but also provides the king with the counsel he needs.
Daniel 2:12-13 records, "This response made the king so furious with anger that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to kill them."
King Rehoboam's Anger and ConsultationKing Rehoboam's account in
1 Kings 12 illustrates the consequences of rejecting wise counsel due to anger and pride. When the Israelites request lighter burdens, Rehoboam first consults the elders who served his father Solomon, who advise him to be a servant to the people. However, Rehoboam, in his arrogance, rejects their counsel and instead follows the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom.
1 Kings 12:13-14 states, "And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, 'My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions.'"
Theological ImplicationsThe anger of kings and their subsequent consultations underscore the importance of seeking godly wisdom and the dangers of acting on impulse.
Proverbs 19:20 advises, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days." The narratives serve as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men and the necessity of humility and discernment in leadership.
