[previous CHAPTER]CHAPTER VI. Of the Ruler’s Duty to Enable Him to the Office. 1. To read and converse much in the book of the law.
And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law, and these statutes, to do them, that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandments, to the right hand or to the left, Deut. 17:18-20. Set magistrates and judges which may judge all the people, such as know the laws of thy God, Ezra 7:25. And they brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon his head, and gave him the testimony, 2 Kings 11:12. Therefore David was said to prevent the dawning of the morning (Psal. 119:147,148), and night watches, that he might meditate in the law. He called it the rejoicing of his heart, verse 111. His portion and inheritance for ever, which he loved above gold, yea more than much fine gold, verse 127, and that his heart stood in awe of the word, and did not forget the law, verse 169. And therefore it was said, he had more understanding than his teachers, or the ancients, verse 99,100. The holy Scriptures being able to make wise, and thoroughly to furnish to every good work.
2. To wait upon God for the spirit of rule and government, which was promised and given to rulers.
And I will take the spirit which is upon thee, and put upon them, and they shall bear the burden with thee; and he took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it to the 70. And when the spirit rested on them they prophesied, Numb. 11:17,27. And the Lord said to Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thy hand upon him: and thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient, Numb. 27:18,20,21. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him, and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, Deut. 34:9. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, and he judged Israel, and went out to war, Judg. 3:9,10. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon Samson, Judg. 14:6. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established, 1 Sam. 3:20. And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt be turned into another man. And it was so, that having turned his back, God gave him another heart. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them, 1 Sam. 10:6,9,10. And the Spirit of Lord came upon David from that day forward; but the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, &c. 1 Sam. 16:13,14. And a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, Isa. 28:5,6. [next CHAPTER]
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