The Honor of the King (English)

The Honor of the King

This is one of the many sermons that I have delivered in congregations. In it, the duty of a Jew is explained, according to religion and rational thought, to fear and honor our king, the merciful father of our land, Alexander II, may his glory be exalted.

It also explains the nature of fear and love, their essence, and the aspect of honor with which we are obligated to respect him. This discourse has been translated into the language of our country (Russian), as the reader will clearly see.

Light shall be shed on Psalm 21 from the songs of David, the psalmist of Israel, which I heard in a great congregation on the day April 4, 1866, when my life was saved from the hand of one who sought to take it. I titled it: "The Salvation of the King."

Delivered by:
Tzvi Hirsch, son of the honorable Rabbi Wolf Dayanov, preacher from Slutsk.

Printed in:
Odessa, at the press of M.A. Beilinsohn, in the year 1869.

Excerpts from the Sermon

My dear brethren!

King Solomon of Israel said: "Fear the Lord, my son, and the king" (Proverbs 24:21). In his wisdom, he teaches and instructs his people and servants with understanding. For in this simple phrase, "Fear the Lord and the king," there are deep meanings that are clear to those who comprehend.

It is already a well-known commandment in the Torah of Moses and in the words of the prophets to fear the Lord. Even though man has not seen Him since the day he was created, nor can he see Him and remain alive (as it is written: "For no man shall see Me and live" - Exodus 33:20), still, by observing His wisdom, His vast creations, and His power over heaven and earth, one will be filled with awe and reverence for His grandeur.

Likewise, my son, you must also fear the king, even if you have never seen him. For when you witness the order and governance of his kingdom, the depth of his wisdom, his mercy and kindness toward his people and his servants, and the greatness of his ministers and officials—then you will recognize his glory and honor, and fear him.

Deeper Meaning

Solomon intended a deeper message in his words. Consider this: If a king commands one of his subjects to carry out an order, and the man obeys, he fulfills the will of the king. However, if a royal minister issues a command, and the subject obeys him instead, at first glance, it may seem that he has fulfilled only the minister's will, not the king’s.

Yet upon deeper reflection, one realizes that obeying the minister is also obeying the king, for the king’s will is carried out through his ministers. Thus, Solomon's intent is clear:

"Fear the Lord, my son, and the king"—for by fearing the king and obeying his decrees, one ultimately fulfills the will of God.

Listen, my dear brethren!

There is an even deeper meaning in the words of King Solomon. Consider the following: If a king commands one of his subjects to perform a certain task, and the man obeys, he has fulfilled the king’s will and followed his command.

Now, suppose that instead of the king himself, one of the king’s ministers issues a command to this same subject, and he follows the minister’s instructions. At first glance, it may seem as if he has only obeyed the minister and not the king.

However, upon deeper reflection, one realizes that obeying the minister is also fulfilling the king’s will, for the ministers carry out the will of the sovereign. Therefore, when a man listens to and obeys the command of a royal minister, he is ultimately obeying the king himself, for the minister’s power and authority stem from the monarch.

Thus, this is the intent behind King Solomon’s words:

“Fear the Lord, my son, and the king.”

For just as the king’s command is carried out through his ministers, so too is the divine will expressed through the earthly ruler. When one honors and obeys the king, one is, in effect, fulfilling the commandments of God.

The Divine Order of Kingship

It is evident, then, that the fear and reverence of a righteous ruler are not separate from the fear of Heaven, but rather an extension of it. The king is not merely a man of power—he is chosen by divine decree, and his governance is a reflection of the Almighty’s will.

When a nation respects and honors its ruler, it upholds divine order and stability. Just as in the heavenly realm, where angels stand in awe before the Creator, so too on earth must men respect the authority that has been established over them.

Thus, to fear and respect our great and merciful Emperor Alexander II is not only a civic duty but also a religious obligation. His wisdom, his just rule, and his kindness toward his people are all manifestations of divine will, and to honor him is to honor the Almighty who has placed him on the throne.

The Role of a King in Divine Providence

Just as the Almighty governs the world with wisdom, so too does a righteous king rule his people with justice and understanding. The throne of a monarch is not merely a seat of power, but a position of great responsibility—one that requires wisdom, patience, and a heart devoted to the well-being of his subjects.

When the people recognize the king’s authority and obey his decrees, they are not merely following a human leader; they are participating in the divine order that has been set in place for the good of the nation. For just as Heaven decrees laws for the universe, the king enacts laws for his land.

This is why Solomon, the wisest of men, connected the fear of God with the fear of the king. He did not merely say, “Fear the Lord,” but rather, “Fear the Lord and the king.” The reverence due to a righteous ruler is not separate from religious devotion—it is an extension of it.

Obeying the King as a Religious Obligation

Consider the case of a man who transgresses the law of the land. He may justify his actions by saying, “I have not sinned before God, only before men.” But this is a grave mistake. For in truth, violating the decrees of a righteous king is akin to rebelling against divine will.

As it is written:

“By me, kings reign, and rulers decree justice.” (Proverbs 8:15)

A just king does not rule by his own authority alone, but by the wisdom granted to him from above. His judgments, when guided by righteousness and compassion, reflect the justice of Heaven. Thus, to honor and obey such a ruler is to walk in the ways of God.

It is for this reason that we, the people of this great land, must give thanks and praise for the benevolent reign of our most merciful Emperor, Alexander II. Through his wisdom and kindness, he has enacted laws that bring peace and prosperity to the land, ensuring the welfare of all his subjects.

The King as a Reflection of Divine Mercy

When a ruler governs with justice, he becomes a vessel for divine mercy. His compassion for his people mirrors the Almighty’s love for His creation.

A wise and righteous king does not rule through tyranny or oppression but through wisdom and understanding. He seeks the welfare of his people, just as a shepherd tends to his flock. His heart is filled with concern for the weak, the poor, and the afflicted, and he acts with kindness and fairness in all his judgments.

Such is the rule of our noble Emperor, Alexander II.

Therefore, it is our sacred duty, as both citizens and as Jews, to recognize his greatness and to honor him with the respect he deserves. To do so is not only an act of loyalty to the kingdom but also an expression of our faith in God, who has placed him upon the throne.

Conclusion: A Call to Gratitude and Loyalty

Let us, therefore, be grateful for the kindness and wisdom of our sovereign. Let us pray for his continued reign, that he may be blessed with strength, wisdom, and long life.

For as the Psalmist says:

“God save the king! May He answer us on the day we call.” (Psalms 20:10)

May we always remember that the fear of the king is a reflection of the fear of Heaven, and that by honoring our ruler, we walk in the path of righteousness.

May God bless our Emperor, Alexander II, and may his reign be filled with peace, prosperity, and divine favor.

The Connection Between Divine Rule and Earthly Authority

As it is written:

"A king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it wherever He pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)

From this verse, we learn that a ruler does not act by his own will alone, but by divine guidance. Just as rivers flow according to the course set for them by nature, so too does a righteous king govern under the influence of divine wisdom.

It is therefore our duty to recognize that the authority of a sovereign is not merely a human institution, but an extension of divine governance. When we respect and obey the king, we are not only showing loyalty to the state, but also demonstrating our submission to the higher order established by the Creator.

This understanding was well known among the sages of Israel. They taught that when a person sees a king of flesh and blood, he should recite the blessing:

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given of His glory to flesh and blood."

This blessing reflects the belief that kingship on earth is a reflection of God's supreme rule. A wise and just king is granted a portion of divine glory, and his governance is an expression of divine will.

The Example of King Solomon

King Solomon himself, the wisest of men, ruled with justice and righteousness. His kingdom was blessed with peace and prosperity because he governed with wisdom, understanding that his authority was entrusted to him by God.

When he first ascended to the throne, he did not ask for wealth or power, but for wisdom to judge his people fairly. In response, God granted him wisdom greater than that of any man before or after him, along with riches and honor.

This teaches us an important lesson: a true king does not rule for his own glory, but for the welfare of his people.

Similarly, in our own time, we are blessed with the reign of our most noble Emperor, Alexander II, whose wisdom and compassion have brought peace and prosperity to the land. Under his rule, justice prevails, and all his subjects—regardless of faith or nationality—enjoy security and freedom.

The Duty of Gratitude

It is therefore fitting that we, as loyal subjects, express our gratitude for the blessings of his reign. We must pray for his continued success, for his health, and for the strength to govern with wisdom and mercy.

As the prophet Jeremiah instructed our ancestors:

"Seek the peace of the city where I have exiled you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its peace, you shall find peace." (Jeremiah 29:7)

This commandment applies to all generations. Just as the Jews in Babylon were instructed to pray for the welfare of their rulers, so too must we, in our time, pray for the well-being of our emperor. For when the land is at peace, we too shall live in peace.

A Prayer for the King

May the Almighty bless and protect our noble Emperor, Alexander II. May He grant him wisdom to rule justly, strength to lead his people, and a long and prosperous reign.

May He shield him from all harm, and may his enemies fall before him. May his kingdom continue to flourish, bringing peace and prosperity to all who dwell within it.

And may we, his loyal subjects, always walk in the path of righteousness, honoring our sovereign as we honor the divine order that has placed him upon the throne.

Amen and Amen.

The Blessings of a Righteous Ruler

When a king rules with wisdom and justice, his reign brings peace and stability to the land. The people prosper under his leadership, and the nation flourishes. This is why our sages have said:

"Pray for the welfare of the kingdom, for if not for the fear of it, people would swallow each other alive." (Pirkei Avot 3:2)

Without the rule of law, society would descend into chaos. But when a king enforces justice and protects his people, he serves as the foundation of a stable and prosperous civilization.

Our own sovereign, Emperor Alexander II, has proven himself to be such a ruler. His reign has been marked by wisdom, fairness, and a sincere desire to improve the lives of his subjects. Through his enlightened policies, he has fostered peace and unity among the diverse peoples of the empire.

It is therefore our sacred duty to recognize his greatness and to show him the honor and respect he deserves. Just as we fear and revere the Almighty, so too must we fear and respect the ruler He has placed over us.

The Connection Between Earthly and Heavenly Kingship

King David, the psalmist of Israel, wrote:

"The king rejoices in Your strength, O Lord; in Your salvation, how greatly does he rejoice!" (Psalms 21:2)

This verse teaches us that a righteous ruler does not rely on his own power alone, but on the strength and guidance of the Almighty. A true king understands that his authority is a gift from God, and he governs with humility and righteousness.

Such is the example set by our noble Emperor. He does not rule with arrogance or tyranny, but with wisdom and mercy. His heart is devoted to the welfare of his people, and his leadership is a reflection of divine justice.

Therefore, as loyal subjects, we must pray for his continued success. We must ask the Almighty to grant him strength, wisdom, and a long and prosperous reign.

For when the king is strong, the nation is strong. When the ruler is just, the people flourish. And when there is peace in the land, we are free to serve God with joy and gratitude.

A Call to Loyalty and Unity

Let us, therefore, remain steadfast in our loyalty to the crown. Let us honor and obey our sovereign, not only out of obligation, but out of genuine gratitude for the blessings of his rule.

Let us also remember the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and security forever." (Isaiah 32:17)

When justice prevails, peace follows. When a ruler governs with fairness and compassion, his kingdom is blessed.

May the Almighty continue to bless our emperor. May his reign be long and prosperous. And may we, his faithful subjects, always walk in the path of righteousness and truth.

Amen.

The King as a Source of Stability and Prosperity

Just as the heavens are upheld by divine order, so too is the peace and prosperity of a nation upheld by the wisdom of its ruler. A just and righteous king ensures that his subjects live in security, free from oppression and hardship.

It is for this reason that our sages have taught:

"A king’s decree is law, for his rule sustains the world." (Talmud, Sanhedrin 20b)

Without strong and righteous leadership, lawlessness would prevail. But when a king governs with fairness and wisdom, his people thrive under his protection.

Our emperor, Alexander II, has been blessed with such wisdom. His reign has brought great advancements, justice, and security to all who dwell in his vast empire. His heart is filled with concern for the welfare of his subjects, and his policies reflect his desire to uplift the nation.

It is therefore our duty, as both loyal citizens and as faithful servants of God, to support and honor him.

The Obligation to Pray for the King

The prophet Jeremiah instructs us:

"Seek the peace of the city where I have exiled you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its peace, you shall find peace." (Jeremiah 29:7)

This verse teaches us a fundamental truth: the well-being of a nation is intertwined with the well-being of its ruler. When the king prospers, the land prospers. When he governs with justice, his people enjoy stability and security.

This is why our sages established the custom of praying for the welfare of the ruling monarch. For just as we pray for rain to nourish the earth, so too must we pray for the wisdom and strength of the king, that he may continue to rule with righteousness.

Let us, therefore, raise our voices in prayer for our merciful sovereign, Emperor Alexander II. May the Almighty grant him wisdom to guide his people, strength to defend his kingdom, and a long life filled with honor and peace.

Final Blessings and Gratitude

May the reign of our emperor be blessed from above. May he continue to rule with justice, mercy, and wisdom. And may his leadership bring prosperity to all who dwell in his land.

As it is written:

"Blessed be the Lord, who has given us a righteous ruler, a king who upholds justice and truth."

May we, his loyal subjects, always walk in the path of righteousness, honoring our sovereign and upholding the peace of the land.

Amen and Amen.