I've watched enough Mel Brooks movies that whenever I read about a king, I can't help but think about the portrayal in The History of the World. In summary, it's good to be the king. Kings take liberties and have privileges. Kings are rarely restrained. Kings live at a different level than regular people.
So what an incredible act here by the king in Nineveh. He takes off his robe and sits in ashes, praying for God's mercy on behalf of his people. He knows that it is not a guaranty of deliverance, but he hopes that if all people, including himself, repent from evil ways and violence, then perhaps God may relent.
The king could've ordered everyone else to repent. Instead, he joined them in the midst of it.
May we never grow too proud to resist humbling ourselves and acknowledging our wrongdoing. May we be wise in looking for the fault within ourselves more eagerly than trying to find the fault in others. May we be willing to repent and invite others to join us in this. We don't control God, but it is wise to humble ourselves before God.
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