Definition and Overview:
Corrupt leadership in the biblical context refers to leaders who deviate from God's commandments, leading with selfish ambition, injustice, and moral decay. Such leaders often exploit their positions for personal gain, neglecting the welfare of those they are meant to serve. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against corrupt leadership, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, justice, and integrity.

Biblical Examples:

1. King Saul:
Saul, the first king of Israel, began his reign with promise but soon fell into corruption. His disobedience to God's commands, such as sparing King Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock (1 Samuel 15:9), led to his rejection by God. Saul's leadership was marked by jealousy, paranoia, and a departure from God's guidance, ultimately leading to his downfall.

2. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel:
Ahab, king of Israel, and his wife Jezebel are notorious for their corrupt rule. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel, directly opposing God's commandments. Their corruption is epitomized in the account of Naboth's vineyard, where Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's murder to seize his property for Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-16).

3. The Pharisees and Sadducees:
In the New Testament, Jesus frequently rebuked the religious leaders of His time, the Pharisees and Sadducees, for their hypocrisy and corruption. They were more concerned with outward appearances and maintaining power than with true righteousness and justice. Jesus criticized them, saying, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25).

Biblical Warnings and Teachings:

1. Justice and Righteousness:
The Bible consistently calls for leaders to act justly and righteously. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan" . Leaders are expected to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, as seen in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" .

2. Accountability:
Scripture emphasizes that leaders are accountable to God for their actions. In Ezekiel 34:2-4, God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their self-serving leadership: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock" .

3. Consequences of Corruption:
The Bible warns of the dire consequences of corrupt leadership. Proverbs 28:15-16 describes the impact of wicked rulers: "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days" .

4. Call for Repentance:
Despite the prevalence of corrupt leadership, the Bible offers hope through repentance and turning back to God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises restoration if His people humble themselves and seek His face: "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" .

Conclusion:
The Bible provides a clear framework for understanding and addressing corrupt leadership. Through its teachings, believers are encouraged to seek leaders who embody justice, righteousness, and humility, while holding accountable those who stray from these principles.