FOUR CONSEQUENCES OF LEADERSHIP'S DISREGARD FOR THE CONSTITUTION

 The FOUR CONSEQUENCES OF LEADERSHIP'S DISREGARD FOR THE CONSTITUTION: A Biblical Perspective

The role of leadership in upholding the law is paramount in any nation. When those in power disregard foundational legal principles, such as a nation's constitution, the consequences can be dire. Scripture provides warnings about the judgment that befalls a people when their leaders forsake justice and righteousness. Ezekiel 14:21 serves as a powerful passage that illustrates divine judgment:

"For thus says the Lord God: 'How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—to cut off man and beast from it?'" (Ezekiel 14:21, AMP)

These four judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague (pestilence)—carry significant meaning, not only for ancient Israel but also as a warning to nations today. The Hebrew words used in this passage provide deeper insight into the severity of these consequences.

1. The Sword (חֶרֶב – Chereb): The Consequence of Violence and Conflict

The Hebrew word "chereb" refers to a literal sword but also symbolizes war, conflict, and national unrest. When leadership disregards the constitution, lawlessness often increases, leading to internal strife and, ultimately, civil unrest or even external conflicts.

Biblical Parallel:

Jeremiah 50:35 – "A sword is against the Chaldeans,’ declares the Lord, ‘And against the inhabitants of Babylon...’" (AMP)

Matthew 26:52 – "Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’" (AMP)

A nation whose leadership disregards justice often falls into political turmoil, division, and violence, fulfilling the judgment of the sword.

2. Pestilence (דֶּבֶר – Deber): The Consequence of National Sickness

The Hebrew word "deber" means plague, disease, or pestilence. It signifies widespread sickness that afflicts a people when corruption reigns and justice is abandoned. This can be literal, such as the outbreak of diseases due to failed governance, or symbolic, representing moral and spiritual decay.

Biblical Parallel:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 – "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My Name humble themselves and pray... then I will hear from heaven..." (AMP)

Psalm 91:3 – "For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence." (AMP)

When leadership disregards righteousness, the nation may face physical disease, moral corruption, and societal decay, bringing the judgment of pestilence.

3. Famine (רָעָב – Ra’av): The Consequence of Economic Collapse

The Hebrew word "ra’av" means hunger, starvation, and scarcity. Famine is often the result of poor leadership, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Leaders who violate constitutional principles frequently create systems that oppress the people, leading to economic instability.

Biblical Parallel:

Amos 8:11 – "‘Behold, days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘When I will send hunger over the land, not a hunger for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord.’" (AMP)

Genesis 41:54-55 – During Joseph’s time in Egypt, famine struck because of divine judgment, but wise leadership prepared for it.

When leadership is corrupt, resources are mismanaged, economic disparity grows, and a nation may experience literal or spiritual famine.

4. Wild Beasts (חַיָּה – Chayyah): The Consequence of Chaos and Unrestrained Destruction

The Hebrew word "chayyah" refers to wild animals but also symbolizes destructive forces unleashed upon a nation. In biblical times, when a land was desolate due to war or famine, wild beasts would multiply and become a threat. Metaphorically, it can represent lawlessness, anarchy, and uncontrollable forces that arise when leadership is absent or unjust.

Biblical Parallel:

Leviticus 26:22 – "I will send wild animals among you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle, and make you few in number..." (AMP)

Daniel 7:3-7 – Various beasts represent corrupt kingdoms that devour and oppress people.

When leaders abandon justice, criminals, gangs, and evil forces take control, making society unsafe. This can also represent spiritual forces of darkness overtaking a nation.

Conclusion: A Call to Righteous Leadership

The four judgments of Ezekiel 14:21—sword, pestilence, famine, and wild beasts—serve as divine warnings for nations where leadership disregards justice, the constitution, and righteousness. These judgments are not only historical but continue to manifest in modern societies where corruption, lawlessness, and moral decay prevail.

The Bible calls leaders to uphold justice and righteousness:

Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."

Isaiah 1:23-26 – God condemns leaders who are corrupt and promises to restore just leadership.

A nation that returns to God, upholds righteous laws, and maintains justice can avoid these judgments. Leaders must seek wisdom, integrity, and submission to God’s moral law to secure the future of their people.

"Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Proverbs 14:34, AMP)