Usurpation
Summary
The unlawful seizure of power, authority, or position that belongs to another, particularly the illegitimate assumption of royal or priestly office in biblical history.
☩Political Usurpation
Scripture records numerous instances of political usurpation: Absalom conspiring to steal the hearts of Israel and proclaim himself king at Hebron; Adonijah attempting to seize the throne before Solomon's coronation; Baasha killing Nadab to become king; Zimri assassinating Elah; Jehu's bloody coup against the house of Ahab; Athaliah seizing power by killing the royal heirs; and Shallum murdering Zechariah.
☩Religious Usurpation
Kings who presumed to take upon themselves priestly functions committed a form of usurpation against God's ordained order. Saul usurped priestly authority by offering sacrifices himself rather than waiting for Samuel. King Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense, which belonged exclusively to the priests, and was struck with leprosy as divine judgment. King Ahaz personally offered sacrifices on his pagan altar.
☩Other Forms
Usurpation also included the seizure of property and rights: Jezebel's conspiracy to have Naboth killed so Ahab could take his vineyard; Solomon removing Abiathar from the priesthood. Moses himself was falsely accused of usurpation by Korah's rebellion, who charged him with taking too much authority upon himself.
Related Verses18 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Usurpation of a Benefice," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).