The term "rulest" is an archaic form of the verb "rule," often found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of governing, leading, or exercising authority over others. In the context of Scripture, the concept of ruling is deeply intertwined with the themes of divine authority, leadership, and stewardship.

Divine Rule

The Bible frequently emphasizes God's sovereign rule over the universe. In the Old Testament, God's rulership is depicted as absolute and just. Psalm 103:19 states, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." This verse underscores the belief that God's authority is supreme and extends over all creation. God's rule is characterized by righteousness and justice, as seen in Psalm 89:14 : "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You."

Human Leadership

In addition to divine rule, the Bible addresses human leadership and the responsibility of those who "rulest" over others. Leaders are called to reflect God's justice and righteousness in their governance. Proverbs 29:2 highlights the impact of righteous leadership: "When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." This verse illustrates the moral responsibility of leaders to govern in a manner that promotes the well-being of their people.

The New Testament further develops the concept of leadership through the example of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the ultimate ruler and shepherd of His people. In Revelation 19:16 , Jesus is described as "King of kings and Lord of lords," signifying His supreme authority over all earthly and heavenly powers. His leadership is marked by humility and service, as demonstrated in Mark 10:45 : "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Stewardship and Responsibility

The Bible also speaks to the responsibility of those who are given authority to "rulest" over others. Leaders are seen as stewards of God's creation and are accountable to Him for their actions. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches about the importance of faithful stewardship, illustrating that those who are entrusted with authority must use it wisely and for the benefit of others.

Church Leadership

Within the context of the church, the concept of ruling is applied to the roles of elders and overseers. These leaders are tasked with guiding and shepherding the congregation, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3 : "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage emphasizes the servant-leadership model that is expected of church leaders, reflecting the character of Christ in their governance.

Conclusion

The concept of "rulest" in the Bible encompasses both divine and human authority, highlighting the importance of righteous and just leadership. Whether referring to God's sovereign rule or the responsibilities of human leaders, the Bible consistently calls for governance that reflects God's character and promotes the flourishing of His creation.

Psalm LXXXIX.
... "Thou rulest the power of the sea" (ver.9). For what was the result of the
sea raging thus, but the day which we are now keeping holy? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm

The Weird Lady
... a sign!' quod he. 'Mary Mother who rulest heaven, Send me a sign if I be
forgiven By the woman who so loved me.'. A white dove out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the weird lady.htm

To the Wicked and Unbelieving Rich Man.
... and He, whatever thou possessest. Nor dost thou give heed to these things;
or thou, perchance, rulest all things. He who made the ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/xxix to the wicked and unbelieving.htm

That to Him who Loveth God is Sweet Above all Things and in all ...
... peace. 4. But Thou who rulest the raging of the sea, and stillest the waves
thereof when they arise, rise up and help me. Scatter ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxxiv that to him.htm

A Hymn Concerning Her.
... metre and verse. "Trinity,Gracious, Divine, Who rulest all the ages; favour
my task, Trinity, Gracious, Divine. "Let Maro sound ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xx a hymn concerning.htm

Whether Providence is Appropriately Ascribed to God
... Hence providence is not in God. On the other hand: it is said in Wisdom
14:3: "Thou, O Father, rulest all things by providence.". ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether providence is.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... that none of their wives would have any reverence for their husbands, if they,
"had such an example of arrogance in the queen towards thee, who rulest over all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

With These I Now Parley a Little in Thy Presence...
... in my wayfaring, and remembering Jerusalem, with heart lifted up towards it, Jerusalem
my country, Jerusalem my mother, and Thyself that rulest over it, the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvi with these i.htm

Thine, not Mine. August 30.
... For mine is the laziness, and the weakness, and the selfishness, and the self-conceit;
and Thine is the kingdom, for Thou rulest all things; and the power, for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /thine not mine august 30.htm

Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
... secrets. But remember that thou rulest an Apostolic See, and assuagest sorrow
the more readily from being made all things to all men. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxix to anastasius bishop.htm

Rulest (6 Occurrences)
...Rulest (6 Occurrences). ... and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering
is crouching, and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.' (YLT). ...
/r/rulest.htm - 8k

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)

/r/ruleth.htm - 12k

Raging (26 Occurrences)
... peoples. (DBY). Psalms 89:9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves
thereof arise, thou stillest them. (KJV WBS RSV). Psalms ...
/r/raging.htm - 13k

Crouching (8 Occurrences)
... and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching, and unto
thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.' (YLT NAS NIV). ...
/c/crouching.htm - 9k

Acceptance (24 Occurrences)
... and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching,
and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.' (YLT). ...
/a/acceptance.htm - 14k

Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)
... and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching,
and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.' (YLT). ...
/s/sin-offering.htm - 38k

Swelling (14 Occurrences)
... Selah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS). Psalms 89:9 Thou rulest the pride of the sea:
When the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. (See JPS NAS). ...
/s/swelling.htm - 13k

Stillest (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 89:9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof
arise, thou stillest them. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/s/stillest.htm - 6k

Opening (242 Occurrences)
... and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching,
and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.' (YLT). ...
/o/opening.htm - 37k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 89:9 Thou rulest the pride of the sea:
When the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. (See JPS). ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

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