WHEN THE KING IS A CHILD
16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17Blessed art thou, O land when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness. (KJV)
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child or a servant and when your officials feast in the morning! 17 Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time – for strength and not for drunkenness. (AMP)
Ecclesiastes 10:16-17
Introduction
Whenever the Bible uses the word ‘woe’, it is expedient that optimal attention be given to the context. In the King James Version of the text above, the Bible recorded the appearance of the word ‘woe(s)’ to be about one hundred and three (103) times. The word ‘woe’ is synonymous to saying ‘cursed are you’. And the word ‘curse’ appears in the Bible about one hundred and eighty-three (183) times. Adding this together gives us a whopping total of two hundred and eighty-six (286).
Our concentration here is on the above text and it is crucial we understand the grave danger in this matter of discourse.
‘Woe to you, O land’: this word sank greatly in my heart as I imagined a curse being put on a particular land simply because the person at the helm of affairs is simply a child.
Now, we need to pay close attention to every word, letter, and phrase in the verses of the Bible, especially the articles ‘a’ and ‘the’ are used. And most importantly, trust God to get a better picture of when ‘a child’ rules and when ‘the son’ rules. Is there any significant difference in this? What makes ‘a’ different from the word ‘the’, and what is the difference between ‘child’ and ‘son’ or ‘a child’ and ‘the child’ against ‘a son’ and ‘the son’? Another angle is understanding the hierarchy difference between ‘When a child rules a land’, ‘When no leader rule the land’, and ‘When the son (God’s elect) rule the land’.
Though I might not be fully able to explore all the implications of this distinction in this write up, I look forward to having a book dedicated to this topic where full revelation will be made. But permit me to share some of the major highlights on the above topic. Kindly read up the following scriptures: Isaiah 3:4,5 & 12; Isaiah 5:11; Proverbs 31:4-6; Hosea 3:6-11; Daniel 1:4-5, 8-12, 16; Daniel 5: 1,2, & 4; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 22:28, Proverbs 23:10, 20, 21, 29, 30, & 31; Ecclesiastes 7:8; 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Luke 2:40-52 and Galatians 4:1-2.
The above scripture passages are not arranged according to their chronological importance to this discussion. I pray God will help that much will be said that will perfect that which He intends to achieve via this book and topic.
TO START WITH, King James Version in verse 17 used ‘The Son’ but Amplified version has it as ‘a free man’, ‘of noble birth’, and ‘character’.
Those are three expressions to qualify ‘the son’. Then what exactly is the difference between being ‘a child’ and ‘the son’? Before then, let us briefly examine the articles ‘a’ and ‘the’ in the dictionary context.
ARTICLES are considered as modifiers of nouns and pronouns. Articles are either ‘definite’ or ‘indefinite’.
DEFINITE ARTICLE
‘THE’ is the definite article. It is used to indicate a specific class of nouns or pronouns, or a specific member of a class of nouns or pronouns. For example: The leopard is no longer found on our continent. (The leopard as distinct from other species). (ii). She helped me with the work I had to complete this morning. (specific work).
INDEFINITE ARTICLE
‘A’ and ‘AN’ are the indefinite articles. They are used as modifiers to indicate an unspecified class or member of a class of nouns. E.g. (i) My daughter gave her department enough work for a week. (The week is unspecified: it could be any week).
Looking at the definite article and the indefinite articles, take for instance:
S/No Definite Articles Indefinite Articles
1. The boy A boy
2. The ball A ball
3. The airplane An Airplane
4. The book A book
If you consider the options above, the words preceded by the definite article (the Boy, the ball, the airplane, and the book) imply specificity. Not just any boy but the boy. When we say “the boy is brilliant”, we are being specific about a particular boy. But saying “a boy is brilliant” is not a cogent thought. Which boy? A boy. No one is sure of the boy being spoken about; he is unknown. This can also be applied to other examples cited above.
‘Certainty’ and ‘Uncertainty’ in a matter is essential in determining which course of action to be chosen. Certainty about something or someone informs confidence in ones choices during decision-making. There is a level of trust that is bequeathed on a known friend which is not given to a mere acquaintance or newer friend. The level of your uncertainty about someone’s character will determine the level of your refrain from dealing with such. Much cannot be committed into the hands of an uncertain man; he cannot be vouched for or his character predicted.
A master, about to embark on a journey, committed some talents to his servants according to their individual capabilities, certain that one would be able to take care of ten, the other, five and the last, one. But we all know how that ended. The younger proved to be lazy and immature by burying the talent (destiny, future, nation, skills) which the master (God) gave to him.
That is why God does not give his inheritance and leadership role to those who do not have a relationship with him or grown into maturity.
The disciples of Christ all had different levels of relationship with the master: there was the closest (John); the caucus of the three (Peter, James and John) and the twelve; followed by the seventy, the five hundred and the multitude.
God is interested in us being with him first, so that we may grow and be mature, be promoted to a much closer relationship with him. Mark 3:14 says “he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” Your being with Jesus is the most crucial point here. You have to first know him and He also knows you, then you follow him to grow into maturity.
I hope I have been able to differentiate between the articles ‘a’ and ‘the’, and the importance of their usage in the scripture. More will be said in the main book, God willing, but for now, let us move on to the second part which I believe is key – ‘CHILD’ and ‘SON’.
Now let us look at the scripture Galatians 4:1-31 which gives us a picture of this matter.
1“Now, what I mean is that as long as (a) the inheritor (heir) is (b) a child and (c) under age, he does not differ from (d) a slave, although he is the master of all the estate;
2 But he is (e) under guardians and administrators or trustees (f) until the date fixed by his father”
7 therefore, you are no longer (g) a slave (bondservant) but (h) a son; and if (i) a son, then (it follows that you are) (j) an heir by the aid of God (k) through Christ.
23 But whereas (l) the child of the slave woman was born according to (m) the flesh and had an ordinary birth, (n) the son of the (o) free woman was born in fulfilment of the promise
31 So brethren, (p) we (who are born again) are (q) not children of a slave woman (r) (the natural) but of (t) the free (the supernatural)” Galatians 4:1-2, 7, 23, 31
Let us also consider Isaiah 9:6 before deepening the discussion:
6“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”.
Now, looking at these two scriptures, we have the following points to note:
i. The heir (the inheritor): The heir as represented in the superscript (a) means the rightful owner to a particular possession. The heir could be a prince, the son of a king, President, Boss, Leader, Chief, or top-ranked personality. The legal ownership to a particular thing or activity. Could be a throne, a company, a house, a kingdom, etc. The heir as represented in the superscript (j) means the same as the son as represented in (h). The heir is referred to as ‘a son’. So, it can be used interchangeably.
ii. A Child: A Child as represented in the superscript (b) means that he is a child, a babe, a toddler, immature, unskilled, young (at heart, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, intellect, etc). Such a child is still behaving in a child-like character.
iii. Under Age: Under-age as represented in the superscript (c) means yet to be fully grown. Still dependent and immature in character and healthy living. Cannot fend for himself or herself.
iv. A Slave: A Slave as represented in the superscript (d) means someone who is a servant working for pay from the master. He has no legal right over anything. He obeys every instruction given and has no right to any possession whatsoever in the place he works. He is subject to his master’s will.
Hence, as long as the heir which is the rightful owner of a particular house or institution behaves child-like and immature, he does not differ from a slave who does not possess any authourity in the house/institution. Immaturity brings about loss of power, authourity, opinion, right, freedom, etc.
v. Under Guardians and Administrators or Trustees: In this context, as represented in the superscript (e), it means that a child who has not yet grown is required to stay under training and advice of a guardian until he is old and mature enough to take inheritance of his possessions.
vi. Until The Date Fixed by His Father: There is an appointed time fixed for everything. There is a season for everything under heaven. It is important to wait to be fully grown before taking charge of one’s right. Failure to do this might amount to loss of possessions because of the craftiness of the enemy. There is a time fixed by your father for your possession to be handed over to you; just as you are not expected to have sex while not yet married, but to wait till you are married. So also, a young, inexperienced, and immature boy who decides to drive a car because his father told him it belongs to him might lose his body parts, if not his life, in an accident.
vii. A Slave (Bondservant): Here, a slave is referred to as the bondservant. Note the word ‘a’ and then ‘slave’. Please, note that a noun can stand alone. The function of the article is to give more certainty to the word by giving specifics. I’ll like to give an analogy. When the phrase ‘A book’ is used, it refers to ‘any book’, but when we say, ‘the book’, we refer to a particular or a specific book. Hence, not using the articles ‘a’ and ‘the’ only removes the certainty and the uncertainty from the main word. The word still stands. It is still the same. Invariably, the use of ‘A slave’ or ‘The Slave’ still points to the same ‘slave’ only showing the level of certainty in the word ‘Slave’ and then using either ‘A son’ or ‘The Son’ also still points to the same ‘son’ only showing the level of certainty or uncertainty. And that is why God has favourites ( i.e. the son).
viii. A Son: Given the above context of what ‘a son’ or ‘the son’ is, you take up the Sonship position when you cease to become a child. Children are children and will continue to be children as long as they want once they refuse to grow and develop in the needed spheres of life, be it academically, spiritually, martially, financially, socially, physically, etc.
The book of Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 (Isaiah 9:6), it says 6“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”.
The key words here are ‘A Child’ and then ‘A Son’. You give birth to ‘A Child’ but ‘A Son’ is given. You don’t give birth to ‘A Son’ in the context of a full grown, matured person. You grow into sonship.
Ephesians 4: 13 says,
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”.
Until you grow into sonship, you will be tossed here and there by the circumstances of life. But the moment you come to realization of who you are, you have an idea of what to do and what is expected of you.
Imagine the son of the President walking bear footed on the street of Lagos with a ragged cloth and begging for alms. Ignorance, lack of identity and immaturity can make a man lose what was originally meant for him. The need to grow into maturity is expedient in order to take charge of one’s place, position and possessions.
ix. Through Christ: In a concise way, becoming an heir or a son is primarily determined by the aid of God through Christ Jesus. No one can get sonship privilege without the help of Christ Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one can get access to the father except through Jesus Christ, the savior. That you are a moralist does not mean you are righteous. I hear several people make this comment that “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t sleep around, I give to the needy, I do this and that,” giving us a list of several things moralists do. And they conclude by saying “look at those so-called believers, I am better off than them.” And they start giving a list of what they do. It is not of what you do that really counts but your acceptance of Christ into your life and your abiding by his principles. As long as you are yet to identify with Christ, you are still a sinner and yet to be bought by the saving power of Christ.
x. The child of the slave woman: ‘The child of the Slave woman’ is another major matter. King James Version used ‘The Child’ while referring to the bondwoman or slave woman. Why? It is a child that is been associated to being a servant or a slave. And until you grow into full maturity, you are still denied your inheritances. Little wonder, the devil capitalizes on our ignorance and takes from us the ‘original’, replacing it with the ‘fake’ thereby making us slaves to him out of sheer ignorance. When we discover this reality, the order changes and we can reposition ourselves back to our original estate where God desires for us. And only Christ Jesus can achieve this for us, not by our own power or might.
xi. Born according to the flesh and had an ordinary birth: The child of the slave woman is ‘born according to the flesh’. This is to tell us that as long as you remain a child, you are still walking according to the dictates of the flesh. You have refused to grow. No Christian is permitted to remain as a child forever. Growth and development are essential factors in a man’s life. And that is why God said, be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. Also note the word, “had an ordinary birth’. No significance is given or attached to a child. You do not command any attention or respect as long as you refuse to grow into sonship.
xii. The son of the free woman: We can see that ‘The Son’ was used to refer to the free woman. You are a product of freedom. Once you have grown to maturity, you get your freedom to some certain privileges and you begin to command respect. ‘Sons’ are possessors of inheritances, while ‘children’ are gazers and slaves of inheritances.
xiii. Born in fulfillment of the promise: The son of the free woman is born in fulfillment of the promise by God. He is a promised child who has grown. Jesus grew and God was with him. When you fulfill the purpose of your creation, God will be pleased with you. You do not fulfill purpose as a child, but as a son.
xiv. We (born again): The feature of being born again is attached to the free woman and not as a child of the slave woman. Your salvation and acceptance of the person and personality of Jesus Christ is crucial to your safety for eternity life. As long as you are still immature, the wind of doctrines and sleight of men can wipe you off completely. You need to be reassured that you are still in Christ by regularly checking and assessing yourself.
xv. Children of a slave woman (the natural): The children of the slave woman is referred to as the ‘Natural’.
xvi. The free woman (the Supernatural): The son of the free woman is a spiritual person, i.e the Supernatural. You attain sonship rights when you become born again.
Let us go a deeper further.
WHICH IS FAIRER OR BETTER?
a. When ‘A Child’ rules the Land
b. When No Leader rules the Land
c. When ‘The Son’ rules the Land
A. WHEN ‘A CHILD’ RULE THE LAND
In 1st Samuel 8:1-22, we understand that it could be very dangerous, unpleasant, and disastrous and also of great concern, when a child rules the land particularly when he has not yet grown into maturity and does not walk in the way of the Lord.
I need to quickly state also that “Maturity is not a function of age of a person or size of a person, or length of being a Christian without growth. However, maturity is a function of Growth and Capacity Development in the Spirit.”
A young man of age 15 can be matured than a man in his fifties who has refused to grow in the things of God. (Can do a further study on Hebrews 6)
Maturity is calculated by your level of accumulated growth and position in the spiritual realm. Many, who have been Christians for ages still prefer to be given ‘milk’ while a young man who has in recent years become a Christian experienced a rapid growth and development in the things of God.
Samuel was a powerful leader. The scriptures say that during his lifetime, the Philistines were subdued and dare not come any more into the coast of Israel (1 Samuel 7:13) but when he placed his sons (children) on the judgment throne to rule, there was problem. They committed all manner of atrocities.
Let us examine the dangers when ‘a child’ rules using the sons of Samuel as a study.
DANGERS WHEN A CHILD RULES;
1. He would commit the sins of lucre.
2. He would collect bribes; hence, become corrupt leaders.
3. He would pervert judgment.
4. He would make the elders choose wrongly and make wrong decisions. (1 Samuel 15:24).
5. He would lead the nation astray.
6. He would turn the hearts of the people against God.
7. He would be a pioneer of wrongs and everlasting mistakes, causing the land to request for a king.
The children of Israel often give wrong advice and cause their leaders to take wrong steps just like when Moses went up to meet God and did not come back in time. They made Aaron commit sin by granting them their request for an idol to serve rather than God. Whenever leaders heed to the counsel of the people who are after their own desires or ways, the consequences are always disastrous.
When ‘A Child’ rules the land, it is a curse. According to the scripture ‘Woe unto that land whose king is a child (Immature)’. A child will maltreat the people and easily get carried away by worldly counsels, pleasures, deceits and all other temptations or challenges that may arise.
B. WHEN NO LEADER RULES THE LAND
When ‘No Leader’ rules the land or we can say, when there is just a figure head leader in the land, (a leader who does not have a relation with God or teach his people God’s ways, or having a true righteous leader), the land will be chaotic. The absence of a true, righteous leader can make the whole land do great mistakes or commit sins.
Moses was a true leader but his absence and delay for a period of time when He went to the mountain to commune with God caused the children of Israel to go into sin. Sometimes, I wonder why they were called the ‘Children of Israel’. I guess they were indeed children. They were easily carried away, lustful, disobedient, murmurers, etc. They did not walk in God’s ways; even when they saw his mighty acts, signs and wonders, it did not lead to personal relationship with God. God’s love was just on them.
There is a big difference between ‘doing exploits’ and ‘seeing exploits’ (Daniel 11:32b), just like there is a difference between ‘those who make history’ and ‘those who read history’. The doer is more important than the hearer. ‘Be ye doers of the word and not the hearers only, deceiving yourself’ (paraphrased).
Leaders are not to just called to lead people by having lots of followers but to raise more leaders by teaching them God’s ways, giving them room to know God personally, establishing them in the path of righteousness so that they also can stand on their own relationship with God. By distributing resources, teaching and not just giving gifts, people become fishers rather than receivers of fishes. A leader with his right senses raises his followers to become leaders by grooming them and showing them the path of life (Matthew 4:19)
C. WHEN GOD’S ELECT (SONS) RULE THE LAND
When Sons, God’s elect, righteous people rule the land, there is abundance and joy in the land. It is better because they enjoy the divine leading of God himself. He who is chosen of God to lead must be a blessing to the land.
Moses was God’s elect; David, Solomon and a host of others and the land prospered under their leadership. But most importantly, the place of becoming God’s vessel is when such leader is under the control of God alone and not having a divided attention. When a leader heeds to God’s call and obeys Him totally, and not partially; and when he has a good rapport and has established a mutual relationship with God, then the land will rejoice because God is the one leading them through his chosen leader. Samuel was leading the people and had the relationship with God and the Philistines dare not cross to Israel to disturb them until they requested for a king and God gave them a child to rule them in person of Saul.
