Regency in Ancient Israelite Kingship and Succession
Regency and succession in ancient Israelite kingship were often characterized by direct inheritance, though not always without divine or popular influence. Initially, the establishment of kingship in Israel was not hereditary, as God reserved the right to choose the king [3]. This is evident in the selection of Saul and David [3]. However, the kingship eventually became hereditary within the family of David, a promise articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and Psalm 89:35-37 [3].
Succession typically involved a son reigning in his father's stead. For example, Solomon was appointed to sit on David's throne and reign in his place [1]. Similarly, Amon reigned after Manasseh, and Josiah after Amon, as recorded by Josephus [4]. Rashi notes instances where a brother might succeed, such as Jehoram reigning in the place of his brother [7]. The concept of a king reigning in justice and princes ruling in judgment is presented in Isaiah 32:1 [2].
However, the transition of power was not always smooth or without external influence. The Israelites' initial desire for a king was seen as a rejection of God's direct rule, as they wished to be like other nations [3]. This request was met with divine anger [3]. The role of the king was to govern, and Rashi interprets "rulers" in Jeremiah 2:8 as referring to kings [5]. The king was expected to lead the people, as suggested by the imagery of Israel coming and going under a king who walks at their head [8].
In times of instability or weak leadership, the actual power could shift. For instance, the prophet Isaiah warns of a time when "boys" would be given as princes, and caprices would rule, indicating a period where the king might be a mere figurehead, with aristocratic parties holding the real power [9]. This suggests that while the title of king was maintained, the effective regency could be exercised by others. The concept of ruling over a portion of the kingdom, such as "a third of the kingdom," also appears in rabbinic commentary on Daniel, indicating potential divisions of authority [6].
Sources
- I Kings “I Kings 1:35 (DRC) — And you shall come up after him, and he shall come, and shall sit upon my throne, and he shall reign in my stead: and I will appoint him to be ruler over Israel, and over Juda.”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 32:1 (Geneva1599) — Behold, a King shall reigne in iustice, and the princes shall rule in iudgement.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Kings — Israel warned against seeking -- 1Sa 8:9-18. Sin of Israel in seeking -- 1Sa 12:17-20. Israel in seeking, rejected God as their king -- 1Sa 8:7; 10:19. Israel asked for, that they might be like the nations -- 1Sa 8:5,19,20. First given to Israel in anger -- Ho 13:11. God reserved to himself the choice of -- De 17:14,15; 1Sa 9:16,17; 16:12. When first established in Israel, not hereditary -- De 17:20; 1Sa 13:13,14; 15:28,29. Rendered hereditary in the family of David -- 2Sa 7:12-16; Ps 89:35-37. Of Israel not to be foreigners -- De 17:15. Laws for the governme”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 4, section 1: . How Amon Reigned Instead Of Manasseh; And After Amon Reigned Josiah; He Was Both Righteous And Religious. As Also Concerning Huldah The Prophetess.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Jeremiah 2:8: and the rulers the kings.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Daniel 5:7: and rule over over a third of the kingdom [as translated,] and rule over a third of the kingdom.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on 2 Kings 1:17: And Yehorom reigned in his place. He was his brother.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Jeremiah 33:13: flocks shall again pass, etc. Israel will come and go under the hands of a king who walks at their head.”
- Isaiah (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Isaiah 3:4: Thus robbed of its support, and torn out of its proper groove, the kingdom of Judah would fall a prey to the most shameless despotism: "And I give them boys for princes, and caprices shall rule over them." The revived "Solomonian" glory is followed, as before, by the times of Rehoboam. The king is not expressly named. This was intentional. He had sunk into the mere shadow of a king: it was not he who ruled, but the aristocratic party that surrounded him, who led him about in leading strings as unum inter pares. Now, if it is a misfortune in most cases for a king”