What Kings Should Be Doing | Jeremiah 22 | Pastor William Hixson

God holds those in charge to a higher standard; because of the influence they wield over others. The Bible gives its clearest and most detailed rules for kings in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, a passage that lays out God’s requirements for any future king of Israel. These rules emphasize humility, obedience, and dependence on God rather than military power, political alliances, or wealth. Core Biblical Rules for Kings (Deuteronomy 17:14–20) 1. The king must be chosen by God Israel may desire a king “like all the nations,” but the king must be the one the LORD chooses. 2. The king must be an Israelite He cannot be a foreigner; he must be “from among your brothers.” 3. He must not multiply horses Reason: to prevent reliance on military power or foreign alliances instead of God. 4. He must not multiply wives Reason: many wives—especially foreign wives—could turn his heart away from God. (Solomon is the classic example of violating this.) 5. He must not accumulate excessive silver and gold Reason: to prevent pride, greed, and self-reliance. 6. He must write his own copy of the Law The king is required to handwrite a personal copy of the Torah under priestly supervision. 7. He must read the Law daily Purpose: to learn to fear the LORD, to obey God’s commands, to remain humble, to avoid exalting himself above his brothers 8. He must rule with justice and obedience His long-term success and the stability of his kingdom depend on faithful obedience to God’s law. Summary: God’s Vision for a King The biblical king is not meant to be an absolute monarch but a model of covenant faithfulness. His power is intentionally limited so that he remains: humble, obedient, dependent on God, just in judgment, faithful in worship. This passage anticipates both the failures of kings like Saul and Solomon and the ideal kingship fulfilled in Christ. Athens Bible Church presents a consistent identity across its website, podcast platforms, and video channels: a Bible‑centered, Christ‑focused, missions‑minded fellowship serving Athens County, Ohio. Their online presence emphasizes expository preaching, traditional worship, and practical discipleship rooted in Scripture. Official Website 🔗 https://www.athensbible.org Camp Logos 🔗 https://www.camplogos.org Audio Platforms (Podcasts) Apple Podcasts — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-based-messages/id1871738604 Podbean (Full Blog Feed) 🔗 https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-bsh6y-14f06b5 Spotify — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/2esKDFsAqveC3LBoNY6ZFq Amazon Music — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ab90d6f-3f17-44c1-8b3d-a9c57e7fea2e iHeartRadio — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://iheart.com/podcast/319104652 Video Platforms YouTube — Athens Bible Church Channel 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOmKvTn0vS8cwZKK7sdKE5w Rumble — Athens Bible Church 🔗 https://rumble.com/user/AthensBible Social Media Facebook — Athens Bible Church Profile/Page 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009340326242 Across its website, podcasts, and video channels, Athens Bible Church consistently presents itself as a Bible‑anchored, Christ‑honoring fellowship committed to: --Verse‑by‑verse expository preaching --Traditional worship rooted in hymns and Scripture --Missions and evangelism --Youth discipleship (Camp Logos) --Community outreach --Old and New Testaments Their digital presence is simple, sincere, and focused on teaching the Word of God faithfully.