Old and New: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryNäide

Israel lived in a theocracy then

Throughout Israel’s history, God chose to lead directly. He spoke forcefully and often, directing their course of action. This is called theocracy, i.e., rule directly by God. God spoke through Moses, through Joshua, through his prophets, and through the judges. Israel’s political, military, geographical, and economic high point was the time of King David and King Solomon.

The people of Israel would call the United Monarchy their golden age. “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. . . . The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones” (1 Kings 10:23,27).

You might think that getting instructions directly from God would have made decisions easy. Wrong. People could reject God’s direct words as easily as his indirect words. Leadership by theocracy made it clear what God wanted, but it did not guarantee either obedience or God’s blessings.

America’s secular government has turned out to provide a far better environment for the church. Leaders in the church shouldn't carry swords or guns.