In Yahwist theology, political authority is never absolute. Power belongs ultimately to YHVH alone, and all human rule is provisional, accountable, and morally constrained (Deut 10:17; Ps 146:3). Any political system that concentrates unchecked power, suppresses moral accountability, or demands ultimate loyalty, violates the foundational ethics of the Miqra. Any leader or system that founds themselves on authoritarianism will never enjoy true success, and will never have divine approval.
’Authoritarianism’ is when the state controls all public life; ’Totalitarianism’ seeks to control private life and ways of thinking as well. A leader who seeks to control what you can and cannot say or do in public, especially when they are things they don’t approve of, is authoritarian. A leader that disapproves of the way you think and punishes what you do in your own home, is totalitarian.
Authoritarian and totalitarian systems seek to place the state, the leader, or an ideology beyond moral judgement. The Miqra consistently rejects this. Kings are judged not by strength, expansion, or control, but by justice, righteousness, and fidelity to God’s ways (2 Sam 23:3; Prov 16:12). When rulers abandon these values, prophets are commanded to confront them openly (2 Sam 12:7–12; 1 Kings 21:17–24; Isa 10:1–2).
Totalitarian power is especially condemned where law becomes an instrument of oppression rather than justice (Isa 1:21–23; Amos 5:12). Systems that crush dissent, exploit the vulnerable, or manipulate truth for control are portrayed not as strong, but as corrupt and doomed (Hab 2:12; Mic 3:9–12).
Power as Stewardship, Not Ownership
The Miqra presents leadership as stewardship under God, not ownership of a people. Even Israel’s monarchy is strictly limited: the king must be subject to Torah, restrained in wealth and military ambition, and accountable to moral law (Deut 17:18–20). When rulers elevate themselves above this covenantal framework, they commit a form of idolatry (Ezek 28:2; Isa 14:13–15).
Yeshua stands squarely in this tradition. He explicitly contrasts Yahwist leadership with authoritarian domination:
- “The rulers of the nations lord it over them… but it shall not be so among you” (Mark 10:42–45; Matt 20:25–28; Luke 22:25–27).
Here, coercive control, hierarchy for its own sake, and self-aggrandising authority are rejected as pagan modes of power, incompatible with God’s Kingship.
Truth, Justice, and the Limits of Authority
Authoritarian systems depend on fear, falsehood, and enforced conformity. Yahwist ethics place extraordinary weight on truthfulness, justice, and moral courage (Exod 20:16; Isa 59:14–15). Leaders who manipulate truth or silence opposition are not neutral administrators; they are violators of divine justice (Prov 29:12; Zech 7:9–10).
Yeshua repeatedly exposes religious and political authorities who hide behind legality or office while violating justice and mercy (Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42). His refusal to grant ultimate allegiance to imperial power — while still recognising limited civic authority — undercuts totalitarian claims absolutely (Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26).
Notably, Yeshua refuses both violent revolt and political absolutism, rejecting the logic that evil may be overcome through domination (Matt 26:52; Luke 19:41–44).
The Yahwist Model of Faithful Leadership
A leader faithful to YHVH’s values is therefore characterised not by control, but by moral restraint.
Such a leader:
- Governs for the good of the people, especially the vulnerable (Ps 72:1–4; Prov 31:8–9)
- Accepts accountability to moral law beyond the state (Mic 6:8; Prov 21:3)
- Rejects exploitation, corruption, and coercion (Isa 33:15; Ezek 45:9)
- Speaks truth, even when costly (Isa 50:7; Luke 4:18–19)
- Understands power as service, not entitlement (Mark 10:43–44)
In Yahwist theology, leadership that abandons humility, justice, and mercy forfeits legitimacy, regardless of its efficiency, popularity, or ideological claims (Prov 16:18; Jer 22:13–17).
Conclusion
The Miqra and Yeshua’s teachings stand in clear opposition to authoritarian and totalitarian rule. Any system that demands unquestioning loyalty, suppresses truth, or elevates human authority beyond moral accountability contradicts the Kingship of YHVH.
Yahwist faith does not sanctify the state. It sanctifies justice, truth, compassion, and humility — and judges all political power by those standards (Mic 6:8; Zech 7:9–10).
A leader faithful to YHVH governs not by fear, but by righteousness; not by domination, but by service; and not by absolutism, but by accountability under God.