Anarchy, defined as the absence of governing authority and the resulting disorder, is a theme that appears in various forms throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the consequences of such a state, emphasizing the chaos and moral decay that ensue when God's ordained structures are disregarded.

Judges: A Time of Anarchy

The Book of Judges vividly illustrates the consequences of anarchy. During this period, Israel lacked a centralized government, and the refrain "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25) encapsulates the moral and social chaos that prevailed. This era was marked by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, highlighting the instability and suffering that result when divine and human laws are ignored.

Moral Decay and Social Disorder

The absence of leadership and law leads to moral decay, as seen in the narrative of the Levite and his concubine (Judges 19). The horrific events that unfold in Gibeah reflect the depths of depravity that can occur when societal norms and divine commandments are abandoned. The account serves as a stark warning of the potential for human wickedness in the absence of order and accountability.

The Role of Kingship

The demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8 reflects Israel's desire for stability and order. Although God warns them of the potential abuses of monarchical power, the people's request underscores their recognition of the need for governance to prevent the chaos experienced during the time of the judges. The establishment of kingship, despite its flaws, is portrayed as a means to curb anarchy and provide a semblance of order.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently warned against the consequences of rejecting God's authority and the resulting anarchy. Isaiah speaks of a time when "the earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently" (Isaiah 24:19), a metaphor for the disorder that ensues when nations turn away from divine law. The prophets call for repentance and a return to God's statutes as the remedy for societal chaos.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of order and submission to authority. In Romans 13:1-2, he writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" . This passage underscores the belief that legitimate authority is divinely ordained and necessary to prevent anarchy.

The Church as a Model of Order

The early Christian community is presented as a model of order and mutual submission. The apostles established structures for leadership and discipline within the church to maintain unity and prevent disorder. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, Paul instructs, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner" , highlighting the importance of order in the life of the church as a reflection of God's character.

Eschatological Hope

The Bible ultimately points to a future where divine order is fully restored. The vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation depicts a society where God's perfect rule is established, and anarchy is no more. This eschatological hope serves as a reminder of the ultimate consequences of anarchy and the promise of God's eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness.