The Abuse And Misuse Of Power

Our society has a saying that “power corrupts.” When man is authorized a certain amount of power, the temptation and tendency has always been to abuse or misuse that power or authority in favor of selfish gain, i.e., money, influence, prestige, control, etc. In this article, let us look at eight Bible examples of people who became “corrupt” when too much power (authority) was given to them.

The Example Of Saul - Saul’s first abuse of power was when he became impatient at Samuel’s delay to be present at Gilgal to offer the sacrifices before Saul’s army was to go into battle against the Philistines and offered sacrifice himself. Samuel, arriving later, pronounced the first curse on his impetuous zeal (1 Samuel 13:5-14). Saul’s second abuse of power was demonstrated in his war with Amalek (1 Samuel 14:48; 1 Samuel 15:1-9), where he disobeyed the prophetical command of Samuel which called down the second curse and the first distinct intimation of the transference of the kingdom to a rival.

The Example Of Absalom - Absalom is another example of the abuse of power as he led a revolt against his father, David (2 Samuel 15). He tried to supplant his father by courting popularity, standing in the gate, conversing with every suitor, and lamenting the difficulty which he would find in getting a hearing. Absalom raised the revolt at Hebron, the old capital of Judah. The revolt was successful; Absalom crossed the Jordan river to attack his father. A decisive battle was fought in Gilead where Absalom’s forces were totally defeated. As he was escaping, his head was caught in the branches of an oak tree where he was left hanging while the mule on which he was riding ran out from under him (2 Samuel 18:9). While hanging suspended in an oak tree, a man told Joab (commander of David’s army) of the situation. Joab located Absalom and took three darts and thrust them through the heart of Absalom killing him (2 Samuel 18:14-15). The abuse of power can result in terrible consequences.

The Example Of Ahab - Ahab (king of Israel) was the worst king that Israel ever had. He married the wicked Jezebel and because of her influence introduced the worship of Baal into Israel (1 Kings 16:29-31). Through Jezebel’s cunning (having false witnesses testify against Naboth that he blasphemed God and the king), Naboth was murdered and Ahab took possession of his vinyard (1 Kings 21:7-16). Here we clearly see the abuse of power not only applicable to Ahab but to his wife, Jezebel as well.

The Example Of Haman - Haman was the chief minister or vizier of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1). His authority (power) corrupted his thinking to the point that he plotted to have the entire Hebrew nation legally killed (Esther 3:9,13). If it had not been for the courageous Esther, Haman’s plan would have succeeded (Esther 5-7).

The Example Of Herod The Great - Herod is an example of the abuse of power and authority resulting in corruption of his moral character. We see this corruption taking place as he took Jerusalem and completely estalished his authority throughout his dominions. The terrible acts of bloodshed which Herod perpetrated in his own family were accompanied by others among his subjects equally terrible. He was so paranoid of his regal authority that he did not hesitate to murder numerous members of his own immediate and extended family. His favorite wife, Mariamne, was publicly executed, as was her mother, Alexandra. Earlier Herod had put to death Hyrcanus, Mariamne’s grandfather (who incidentally, once had saved the king’s life). He also executed several of his sons, e.g., Alexander, Aristobulus, and Antipater (for a general survey of Herod’s activities, see Josephus, Antiquities, Books 14-17). According to a well-known story, he ordered the nobles to be executed immediately after his decease so at least his death might be attended by universal mourning. It was at the time of a fatal illness (brought on by a terrible disease) that Herod ordered the killing of all the babies in Bethlehem two years and under, in an attempt to kill Jesus; he also authorized John the Baptist’s beheading (Matthew 2:16-18; Matthew 14:9-10).

The Example Of Judas - Judas betrayed Jesus into the hands of the Jewish leaders “for thirty pieces of silver” (Matthew 26:14-15). One might ask, “What was Judas’ motive in betraying Jesus?” It could have been his overly active ambition to be the treasurer, not merely of a few poor disciples, but of a great and splended temporal kingdom of the Messiah. Perhaps his treachery was for the purpose of gaining a position of honor and influence in the Pharisaic party. Whatever his motive was, the abuse of his authority as a business manager (John 12:6; John 13:29) was a key element in his betrayal of Jesus (Matthew 26:14; Matthew 27:3-5; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:2).

The Example Of Pilate - Pilate allowed Jesus to be crucified, though he acknowledged His innocence (John 18:38). We learn from the Roman historian, Josephus, that Pilate’s anxiety to avoid giving offense to Caesar did not save him from political disaster. Pilate’s abuse and misuse of power corrupted his thinking processes to the point of causing him to commit suicide according to the historian Eusebius (cf. Acts 1:18).

The Example Of Simon The Socerer - Simon had heard the Gospel and was obedient to it (Acts 8:13). He was so amazed at the miracles being performed by Philip that he “continued” with him (vs. 13). There was something that Simon could see in the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Spirit (vs. 19). Simon wanted the “power” so zealously that he offered the apostles money (vs. 18). Simon’s whole attitude was that of a professional trickster or deceiver; he fancied that he could (by money) be instructed how to acquire, use and impart, all in the way of trade, these powers. Peter severely warns him of his ungodly attitude and tells him to “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (vs. 22). Simon saw the danger he was in and evidently repented. He went so far as to ask Peter to “pray” for him as well (vs. 24). His thought processes had (at least for a short period of time) been corrupted by his desire for “power” (vs. 19).

In all of the above examples, we can see how easily it is for power to corrupt the thinking processes of an individual if he is not careful. May we all learn from these eight Bible characters not to abuse, misuse, nor allow power (authority) to corrupt our thinking processes. As frail human beings, we need to realize that the “source” of all power (authority) is from the Lord (Matthew 28:18).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets