Overview
The Bible addresses theocracy across 18 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel and Exodus. Closely related themes include Desert, Journey of Israel Through The, Samuel, Moses and Scriptures, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Samuel, Gideon and David.
Key Bible verses about theocracy
Old Testament
Exodus
And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Deuteronomy
Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. hear: Heb. add to hear
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. a fiery: Heb. a fire of law
Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.
And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.
1 Samuel
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
People in the Bible and theocracy
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying theocracy for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 19:8, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Moses, Samuel and Gideon and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Desert, Journey of Israel Through The, Samuel, Moses and Scriptures, the.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about theocracy?
The Bible addresses theocracy across 18 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel and Exodus. Closely related themes include Desert, Journey of Israel Through The, Samuel, Moses and Scriptures, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Samuel, Gideon and David.
How many Bible verses are about theocracy?
The Bible references theocracy in 18 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention theocracy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 19:8: “And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with theocracy?
Moses, Samuel, Gideon, David and Jeroboam.
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