What concept was the belief in "divine right" used to support?

The concept of "divine right" was primarily used to support absolute rule. This doctrine held that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, rather than from any earthly power or the consent of the governed. As a result, rulers who claimed divine right believed that their decisions and actions were justified as they were seen to enact God's will on Earth. This idea helped to legitimize their complete authority and often resulted in a centralized form of government where the monarch held significant, unchecked power.

In historical contexts, especially during the European absolutist period, monarchs like Louis XIV of France famously embodied the principles of divine right, asserting that their rule was ordained by divine forces, which stifled challenges to their authority and made rebellion against the king tantamount to rebellion against God. This legitimization process was critical in maintaining the social and political order within absolute monarchies during this time period.