The Ways of a King

Geoffrey P. Miller argues that the narratives from "Genesis" to "Second Kings" present a sophisticated argument for political obligation and for limited monarchy as the best form of government. The Hebrew Bible, in this sense, can be considered as one of the earliest political philosophies of the western world. The Garden of Eden story identifies revelation, consent, utopia, natural law, ownership, power, patriarchy, and justice as bases for political obligation. The stories of life after the expulsion from Eden argue that government and law are essential for a decent life. "The Genesis" narratives recognize patriarchal authority but also identify limits based on kinship, higher authority and power. The book of "Exodus" introduces the topic of political authority, arguing that nationhood strictly dominates over other forms of political organization. "The Sinai" narratives explore two important sources of authority: revelation and consent of the governed. The book of "Joshua" presents a theory of sovereignty conceived of as the exclusive and absolute control over territory. The book of "Judges" examines two types of national government: military rule and confederacy. It argues that military rule is inappropriate for peacetime conditions and that the confederate form is not strong enough to deliver the benefits of nationhood. The books of "Samuel" and "Kings" consider theocracy and monarchy. The bible endorses monarchy as the best available form of government provided that the king is constrained by appropriate checks and balances. Contrary to the view of some scholars, no text from "Genesis" to "Second Kings" disapproves of monarchy as a form of government.