He is the minister of God; the magistrate is His servant.

To thee for good; made a ruler, not for his own good, but the good of the people whose interests he is bound to promote.

Not the sword in vain; the sword is an instrument of punishment, and as such, an emblem in the hand of the magistrate, of rightful authority, in case men maliciously put to death their fellow-men, to punish them even with death. Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:16-21; Numbers 35:30-31.

To execute wrath; not the wrath of the magistrate or of the government merely, but the wrath of God against evil-doers. As the object for which God established and upholds government is the highest good of the governed, it should be so constructed and administered as will best accomplish this end.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament