Calvin also thought that earthly rulers lose their divine right and must be put down when they rise up against God.

Citing this juxtaposition, the Pharisees complained against heretics who placed the name of earthly rulers above the name of God.

Another view is that they are generalised scenes of judgement in Hades rather than earthly rulers.

While convalescing, he was converted and turned from the service of an earthly ruler to that of his divine master, Jesus Christ.

In turn, earthly rulers aspired to reach this divine ideal.

James and John ask Christ for positions of higher honor once Jesus is an earthly ruler.

Intercessory prayers for the church and its leadership, and often, for earthly rulers.

And to what earthly rulers can they be compared, or who to them?

Nothing could be expected of earthly rulers, therefore, though in order to survive, the Shiis must cooperate with the powers-that-be.

They were ceremonial leaders, more like high priests than earthly rulers.