What is the meaning of “command its obedience” in this context?

Question

This is the context:

There are physicists like Lawrence Krauss who think, “Ah, just put in the laws of physics, quantum field theory, and this plus nothing equals the world.” But then one is left with the question of, “Well, what are those laws? Do they somehow exist outside of physical reality and command its obedience?”

Does it mean command to her obedients? and if not, can you explain the meaning?

Answer 1

For A to command B's obedience means that B obeys A's commands (in a general, ongoing sense). For example, a ruler commands the obedience of their subjects in that if they give a command, they can expect it will be obeyed; it describes the relationship, rather than the act.

In this context, it's asking if physical reality obeys these hypothetical 'laws' that exist outside it.