Where Wisdom Reigns

They brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, gave him the testimony, and made him king. Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and cried, "Long live the king!" - 2 Chronicles 23:11

When Jehoiada, the priest, acknowledged Joash as the new king of Judah (before all of the people) he placed a crown upon his head and then put the "testimony" in his hands. Though commentators may differ on the meaning of "testimony," it appears from a reference in Deuteronomy 17:18 that the testimony would have been a copy of the Law of God. This passage even goes farther and states that the newly coronated king would have had to write the Law out, by hand, in front of all the people.

What does this imply? God intended for the leaders of His people to rule by His authority and not their own, and to do so with first-hand understanding of His Word.

All earthly authority is "derived." Organizations, even nations, may "crown" their leaders, but true authority can only be bestowed by God Himself. Neither scepter nor title, crown nor position make the leader. Godly leadership comes from adherence to divine truth. This is where justice meets love and wisdom reigns.

The only safe ruler is he who has learned to obey willingly. - Thomas a' Kempis