The Bible is immensely political This may surprise many because most consider the Jewish and Christian Scriptures to be purely spiritual material. And for many religious people, politics is off limits or something they want nothing to do with. Yet when I read the Bible, I see politics everywhere.

For starters, lets understand what the words politics and political mean. To get to the original definition—one, which by the way, still stands—I go to Daniel Webster’s dictionary as published in 1828.

Politics: “The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of it safety, peace, and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.”

Political: “Pertaining to policy, or to civil government and its administration.”

This being clear then, it is safe to say that the Bible is chock full of politics. When you read it, you not only see it playing out in history, but the very foundation of all true political activity being established by God Himself. In fact, one could reason that politics and spirituality cannot be separated; since politics has its origins with God, it cannot be separated from God. Out the window, then, with the separation of church and state.

Even the structure of the U. S. government, with its three branches, derives from the holy writ. In Isaiah chapter 33, verse 22, we have the words, “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King” — the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, explains the source of and the reason for human government. In admonishing everyone to be subject to the governing authorities, he writes, “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist are established by God.” He goes on to cite its purpose: “It (the government, the governing authorities) is a minister of God to you for good. But is you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (see Romans 13).

Government—and those who serve in it, those who bear authority over others—are God’s ministers? This is what the Scripture teaches.

Note that Paul was writing to the church in Rome, and was here speaking to those under Roman rule; which, if you know anything at all, you understand that Rome was not only ruthless, but perverted and anti-God.

We find political stories, statements, and advice all throughout the Bible. The book of Proverbs is full of political wisdom; every leader at any level of government would do well to read it regularly.

Here is a statement made by one of the most famous kings of all time, King David. As recorded in 2 Samuel 23:3 he says, “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” The benefits of such a person in power? “He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain” (verse 4).

David’s son Solomon, who assumed the throne after him, says things like this:

“The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it” (Proverbs 29:4). And, “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked” (29:12).

That God is neither complacent nor absent in the political affairs of men, and who governs them, Daniel affirms: “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Daniel 4:17).

Even Mary the mother of Jesus weighs in on how people come to power. In what is called The Magnificat, she says, “He (God) has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble” (Luke 2:51-52).

We are at the height of the presidential election cycle with but 11 days to go until the votes are cast. The contest between the two candidates has been nasty, ugly, embarrassing, perverted, demeaning, and disappointing. I’ll not here go into any of the details, but I will say that according to the Bible, God is actively engaged in all this.

Yes, God is engaged in the 2016 presidential election. He cares about America, its leaders, and its government. He is concerned for its future. Whoever emerges as the chief executive of this great nation will be of His choosing. How could I possibly say that? Believe me, it is a difficult thing to admit, but it is true. If I understand Scripture, and I believe I do (at least a little bit), then I understand that God has a purpose, and what He does and why He does it is not always clear, but He will have His way. What is clear is that He is involved in this election—of this I am certain. Listen to what the Psalmist says,

“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is Judge; He puts down one and exalts another” (Psalm 75:6-7).

We may cast our votes—and we must! And the Electoral College theirs. Whoever emerges the victor may not be to our liking; he or she may even prove to be detrimental to what we think this nation ought to be. Yet, if we believe the Bible—more so, if we believe what God says in the Bible, we shall end up with whom God elevates to this high office. It may be what we deserve or what we need, God knows, but whatever the outcome we can be sure that “it is Heaven that rules” (Daniel 4:26).