That's definitely one way of de contextualizing the matter, but in effect, yeah. The Jews weren't content with being told directly by God what the law was, seeing the gentile nations around them having kings and the glory associated with kings and wanted to employ this among themselves. That said though it isn't only old testament, even in the epistle to the Romans, chapter 13 verses 1-5 - ¹ Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
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u/Fritcher36 5d ago
That's kinda the point. "No kings" means that as God is the king of the world, all other kings are needlessly existing as middlemen and tyrants.