Number DOI: http://doi.org/10.33209/2519-4348-2707-9627-2024-12-158

VB. – № 12, 2024. – P. 135-160

Summary

The article aims to offer a deeper understanding of the concept of “foolishness for Christ’s sake” by positioning it within a new and less explored context. For the first time, this concept is examined in relation to those who hold positions of power – specifically, monarchs and rulers. While “foolishness for Christ’s sake” is often associated with individuals who humble themselves for religious reasons, the article suggests that it can also manifest in those who occupy the highest social and political positions. The article focuses on two key figures from the Old Testament, King David and Queen Esther, to illustrate how this phenomenon can occur in a monarchical setting. In analyzing the lives of these two figures, the article explains the nuances of “foolishness” as a temporary and often forced manifestation rather than a consistent, independent trait of holiness. It is argued that this “foolishness” is not an intentional display of weakness or stupidity but rather a necessary act of obedience to God’s will under specific circumstances. These moments of “foolishness” can be brief, occurring during critical moments of decision-making, or they can extend over a longer period, depending on the nature of the divine calling and the individual’s role in fulfilling God’s greater purpose. In this way, “foolishness” for Christ is seen as an expression of surrender to divine authority, even when it contradicts worldly expectations of wisdom and power. To substantiate the theological and spiritual significance of this “foolishness,” the author embarks on a detailed exegesis (interpretation and analysis) of specific biblical passages from the Books of Kings (1st and 2nd), which recount the reigns of David and other kings of Israel. The analysis extends to related texts in Psalms 34 (33), 56 (55), 24 (23), and 68 (67), and the Book of Esther, which contains the story of Queen Esther’s courageous and “foolish” intervention to save the Jewish people. These biblical passages help to demonstrate the various ways in which the divine will can compel rulers and leaders to take actions that may appear foolish or irrational from a worldly perspective but are part of God’s greater plan. The article emphasizes that “foolishness for Christ’s sake” in these contexts is not a critique of monarchical power or leadership. Instead, it reveals how God uses individuals in power to fulfill His purposes, even when their actions seem to defy conventional wisdom. The author suggests that this type of “foolishness” is a paradox – it is a sign of humility, obedience, and spiritual maturity, even when it appears to contradict human logic or reason. In addition to exploring “foolishness,” the article also addresses the necessity of legalism within the framework of Old Testament law. The author uses the same biblical passages from the Books of Kings, Psalms, and Esther to explore the role of legalism in the spiritual lives of individuals and rulers. Legalism, in this context, refers to the strict adherence to religious laws and codes, which were believed to guide not only personal conduct but also political and royal decision-making. By examining the texts, the article explores how rulers and leaders were often bound by legal requirements, which sometimes necessitated actions that seemed to defy common sense or worldly power structures but were essential for the fulfillment of God’s law and divine order. The article draws attention to the inherent tension between divine “foolishness” and legalistic righteousness. While legalism emphasizes adherence to external rules and moral codes, “foolishness for Christ’s sake” points to the internal, spiritual surrender to God’s will, which can transcend human laws and regulations. This contrast helps to shed light on the complex relationship between law, power, and divine purpose in the biblical tradition. Furthermore, the article stresses that the concept of “foolishness for Christ’s sake” does not negate the importance of wisdom or knowledge. Instead, it presents a different kind of wisdom – one that is rooted in obedience to God, which may at times look like foolishness to the world. The article thus provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between divine wisdom, earthly power, and the roles of rulers and leaders in the biblical narrative. Finally, the article concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of this concept for understanding leadership, obedience, and faith in contemporary contexts. By examining how “foolishness for Christ’s sake” operated in biblical times, the author encourages readers to consider how similar forms of spiritual obedience and surrender might manifest in today’s world, especially for those in positions of power and influence.

Key words: foolishness, monarchy, Old Testament election, violation of regulations, King David, Ark of the Covenant, Psalms, royal holiness, Queen Esther, Mordecai, proto-propaganda, Purim.

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