Why does the judge in Luke 18:4 initially refuse to act? Text of the Passage “For some time he refused. But later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or respect men…’ ” (Luke 18:4). Immediate Literary Context Luke 18:1–8 records Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, spoken “to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart” (v. 1). The judge’s refusal (v. 4a) forms the tension that makes the widow’s perseverance and God’s contrasting faithfulness stand out. Character Profile: The Unjust Judge 1. No fear of God (v. 2) – a direct violation of Exodus 18:21 and 2 Chronicles 19:6–7, where judges are commanded to judge “in the fear of God.” 2. No respect (Greek: entrepō) for people – he is callous toward societal obligation or compassion (cf. Isaiah 1:23). 3. Operates in a system where bribery was common; archaeological ostraca from first-century Judea (e.g., Murabbaʿat papyri) record fees paid to secure verdicts, illuminating why a powerless widow would normally be ignored. Cultural-Legal Background • Widows had no male legal advocate (Deuteronomy 24:17; Isaiah 10:1–2). Courts met in city gates; justice depended on a judge’s integrity. • Jewish tradition (Sirach 35:12–15) warns that God hears the widow’s cry; Luke uses that background to heighten the judge’s irreverence. Psychological and Ethical Diagnosis Behavioral science labels such a profile as high in Machiavellianism: self-interest, lack of empathy, instrumental view of others. Biblically, Proverbs 21:13 describes it as shutting one’s ear to the cry of the poor. His initial refusal springs from entrenched self-service; there is no internal moral compass or external accountability he acknowledges. Theological Contrast with God’s Character God is “a Father of the fatherless and a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5). By depicting the judge’s refusal, Jesus argues a fortiori: if even a corrupt human can eventually act, “will not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry out to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7). Why the Initial Refusal Occurs 1. Moral Vacuum – He consciously rejects both divine authority and social obligation. 2. Systemic Corruption – Expectation of bribes; the widow offers none. 3. Cost-Benefit Calculation – Until her persistence threatens his peace (v. 5, “lest she wear me out,” hypōpiazē – literally “give me a black eye”), he sees no advantage to rule. In sum, the refusal is rooted in self-interest unchecked by spiritual reverence or civic duty. Application: Persevering Prayer and Divine Justice Believers may encounter silent periods where justice seems delayed. The widow’s tenacity models faith that God, unlike the judge, is righteous and responsive (Hebrews 10:35–36). Her story assures that delayed answers are not denials but timings set by a just Sovereign. Related Passages • Isaiah 1:17 – “Defend the cause of the widow.” • James 1:27 – Pure religion cares for “orphans and widows in their distress.” • Revelation 6:10 – The martyrs’ cry for justice parallels the widow’s appeal. Conclusion The judge initially refuses because he is driven by self-interest, devoid of the fear of God and respect for people. Jesus employs this refusal to magnify God’s contrasting readiness to vindicate His people, encouraging unwavering prayer and trust in divine justice. |
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