Mankind’s Free Will in Choosing Government
A Biblical and Rabbinical Perspective
While God ordained government as an institution, He also granted humanity free will to determine its structure and leadership, provided it aligns with His divine laws. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of righteous governance, where rulers follow God’s commandments, and rebellious governance, where leaders and nations establish rule in opposition to God’s will.
Jewish rabbinical teachings, as well as New Testament writings, confirm that God allows nations to form their own governments, but He remains sovereign over the affairs of human rule. The story of the Tower of Babel serves as a key biblical example of human rebellion against God’s intended order.
The Tower of Babel: A Government in Rebellion (Genesis 11)
One of the earliest examples of centralized human government in opposition to God is found in the Tower of Babel account. Here, mankind, instead of spreading across the earth as commanded by God, chose to unify and establish their own centralized power—a direct act of rebellion.
God’s Command: Humanity Was Instructed to Spread Out
“And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” (Genesis 9:1)
The Hebrew word “replenish” is מָלֵא (Male’), meaning “to fill, to spread out, to occupy”.
God’s command was clear—humanity was to fill the earth, not settle in one place to build a single empire.
Man’s Rebellion: Centralizing Power Instead of Spreading Out
Rather than obeying God, mankind sought unity and centralized government under their own authority:
“Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name (שֵׁם – Shem), lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4)
Key Hebrew Word: שֵׁם (Shem) means “name, reputation, fame, identity.
Their desire to “make a name for themselves” reveals that their motivation was pride and self glory, rather than obedience to God.
This passage highlights humanity’s sinful tendency to seek self-exaltation and centralized control, instead of trusting in God’s ordained authority.
God’s Judgment: Confusing Their Language and Scattering Them
God, in His sovereignty, intervened to disrupt their rebellion: “Go to, let us go down, and there confound (בָּלַל – Balal) their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” (Genesis 11:7)
Key Hebrew Word: בָּלַל (Balal) means “to confuse, to mix, to confound”. This was God’s way of breaking their centralized government, forcing them to spread out as He originally commanded. “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.” (Genesis 11:8) This passage demonstrates that when human government defies God’s plan, He intervenes—often in ways that force realignment with His will.
Rabbinical Insights on Babel’s Rebellion
Jewish traditions and rabbinical commentaries further elaborate on the sin of Babel’s government and why God opposed it.
The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 38:6) teaches that the builders of Babel sought to overthrow divine authority and establish a human-centered rule.
Rashi (1040–1105) comments that the phrase “whose top may reach unto heaven” suggests an intent to wage war against God Himself, showing a deeper rebellion.
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) states that the sin of Babel was not merely architectural ambition but an attempt to replace divine governance with human supremacy.
These insights reinforce the biblical principle that governments must align with God’s law, or else they become instruments of rebellion.
God Allows Different Forms of Government
Though God opposes rebellious government, He permits nations to choose their own forms of governance, provided they remain under His moral framework.
Romans 13:1 – God’s Sovereignty Over Human Authority
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers (ἐξουσία – Exousia). For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Key Greek Word: ἐξουσία (Exousia) means “authority, jurisdiction, delegated power”.This emphasizes that all governing authority ultimately derives from God, whether it is a monarchy, democracy, or another system.
Rabbinical and New Testament Perspectives on Government Choice
Jewish thought and New Testament teachings support the idea that, while governments are allowed flexibility, they must remain accountable to God’s laws.
Rabbinical Teachings
The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 18a) teaches that kings and rulers are permitted, but they must enforce righteousness.
Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 3:10) states that while nations may have their own legal systems, they are required to maintain justice and fear of God.
The Midrash (Deuteronomy Rabbah 5:5) highlights that governments must not only maintain order but also protect the vulnerable.
New Testament Teachings
John 19:11 – “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.”Jesus acknowledges that earthly rulers receive authority from God, but they remain subject to His judgment.
Acts 5:29 – “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
When human government contradicts divine law, obedience to God takes precedence.
Romans 13:3-4 – Government should punish evil and reward good, aligning with Torah principles of justice.
Balancing Free Will and Divine Authority in Government
The Tower of Babel illustrates that human attempts to centralize power against God’s, will lead to divine judgment. However, God allows different forms of government, provided they:
Align with His moral law (Genesis 9:6).
Administer justice righteously (Romans 13:1).
Recognize their accountability to Him (Daniel 2:21).
Key Takeaways from Scripture and Rabbinical Thought
God commands governments to operate justly (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 18:21-22).
When governments defy God’s order, He intervenes (Genesis 11:7-8).
Jewish tradition and the New Testament agree that government authority is subject to divine oversight (Romans 13:1, John 19:11).
Thus, while mankind has the free will to choose governance, all human authorities must ultimately submit to the supreme rulership of God.