The Shang dynasty kings believed that their power to rule was derived from the gods. They thought that they had received the divine mandate to govern from the higher powers. This belief was a central aspect of the political and religious system during the Shang dynasty.
The kings also believed that their authority was supported by their ancestors. Ancestral worship was a significant part of the Shang dynasty culture, and the kings believed that by honoring their ancestors, they would receive blessings and guidance in their rule.
Furthermore, the previous king's legacy played a role in legitimizing the current king's rule. Succession from one king to the next was often seen as a continuation of a divine lineage, further reinforcing the idea of the king's right to rule.
In summary, the Shang dynasty kings believed that their power to rule came from the gods, their ancestors, and the legacy of the previous king. These beliefs formed the foundation of their authority and legitimacy as rulers during that time.
