Is Democracy Biblical?

(Proverbs 28:2 KJV)  For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

One of the big questions that will never have an answer is, “How much of what we believe is based on our culture and upbringing, and how much is from the Bible?”  Some parts are easy to answer others are difficult.  One of the things I am looking for and not finding is the justification for believing that democratic forms of government are best.  That is my belief, but what does the Bible say?

Does this verse refer to democracy?  Is it a “transgression” (6588) to have “many” (7227) people in power as opposed to a king?  In a sense, Americans think of themselves as sovereign.  We are princes.  We consider ourselves equal to any ruler.  The Bible, on the other hand talks about kings.  Some people point out Moses taking the advice of Jethro in Exodus 18 but the men Moses picked were not elected they were appointed by the God appointed leader.

Later the people will demand that God give them a king.  It was not the way God wanted it to go but He consented and Saul was chosen.  So maybe even kings are not God’s way.

We are in the midst of a campaign season now.  The November, 2010 elections are approaching.  Anyone who has eyes and ears sees the ads and articles that are trying to get people elected.  Most of them are designed to fool the masses.  Lies are told.  The past is covered up.  Favors are earned.  Usually the sheep will elect the best liars.  Will this be another such year?  Democracy depends on an informed electorate.  Ours has become too lazy and illiterate to know what is going on. 

Are God’s people going to prayerfully consider their choices and vote in a Biblical way?  Will people watch a couple of commercials on prime time and sell their birth right?  In reality, only God knows and He’s not telling.