Kristen

Tiffany– our last two posts “crossed in the mail,” as it were. But with regards to the Old Covenant– I note that the priests and Levites, while chosen by birthright, never had governmental power, but only power over Temple-based worship. Also, I’m sure you’ve noticed that God never wanted to give Israel a king to start with– and before kings, judges ruled not according to any birthright, but according to His calling.
Even with the kings, God made it clear that if a line of kings continually rebelled against him (which included mistreating the common people, which God clearly speaks out about throughout the Prophets), then God would remove said kings from power, birthright or no birthright. Even David’s line lost its right to act as kings after the Exile– until Jesus came along to take up the throne which God intended to be His all along.
No, I can’t see God’s actions under the Old Covenant as being about establishing authority-by-birth. I see God rather as moving the people gradually away from that mindset, though the mindset is a natural part of human society.