The concept of impeachment, as understood in modern political contexts, does not have a direct equivalent in the biblical text. However, the Bible does address themes of leadership accountability, justice, and the removal of leaders who fail to uphold their duties. These themes can be explored through various biblical narratives and principles.

Biblical Principles of Leadership Accountability

The Bible emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership and the accountability of those in positions of authority. Leaders are expected to act justly, uphold God's laws, and serve the people with integrity. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." This highlights the impact of leadership on the well-being of a community.

Removal of Unfaithful Leaders

While the Bible does not describe a formal process akin to impeachment, it does recount instances where leaders are removed due to unfaithfulness or disobedience to God. One notable example is King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. In 1 Samuel 15:26 , Samuel tells Saul, "I will not return with you, because you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel."

Similarly, in the New Testament, the principle of church discipline is outlined for leaders who fail in their duties. In 1 Timothy 5:19-20 , Paul instructs, "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear."

Justice and Righteous Judgment

The Bible consistently calls for justice and righteous judgment, which are foundational to the concept of holding leaders accountable. Micah 6:8 declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse underscores the expectation that leaders, like all individuals, are to act justly and with humility.

Examples of Accountability

The account of King David provides an example of accountability and repentance. When confronted by the prophet Nathan for his sin with Bathsheba, David acknowledges his wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:13). Although David remains king, his acknowledgment of sin and the consequences he faces demonstrate the importance of accountability before God.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention impeachment, it provides a framework for understanding the importance of accountability, justice, and the removal of leaders who fail to fulfill their God-given responsibilities. These principles continue to inform discussions on leadership and governance within a biblical context.1. (v. t.) To hinder; to impede; to prevent.

2. (v. t.) To charge with a crime or misdemeanor; to accuse; especially to charge (a public officer), before a competent tribunal, with misbehavior in office; to cite before a tribunal for judgment of official misconduct; to arraign; as, to impeach a judge. See Impeachment.

3. (v. t.) Hence, to charge with impropriety; to dishonor; to bring discredit on; to call in question; as, to impeach one's motives or conduct.

4. (v. t.) To challenge or discredit the credibility of, as of a witness, or the validity of, as of commercial paper.

5. (n.) Hindrance; impeachment.

Introduction; the Pelagians Impeach Catholics as Manicheans.
... Book II. Chapter 1."Introduction; The Pelagians Impeach Catholics as Manicheans.
Let me now consider a second letter, not of Julian's ...
/.../anti-pelagian writings/chapter 1 introduction the pelagians impeach.htm

Extracts for Study, with Lesson Talk
... I impeach him in the name of all the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament
assembled, whose parliamentary trust he has betrayed. ...
/.../successful methods of public speaking/extracts for study with lesson.htm

Where Sin Occurs God Cannot Wisely Prevent It.
... circumstances. To suppose He might give more than He does, circumstances
being the same, is to impeach His wisdom or His goodness. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xiii where sin occurs god.htm

Extracts No. V.
... "If such a sentiment does not impeach the divine character, not only of partiality,
but of cruelty, I know of nothing that could. But, Sir,. ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no v.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... To question or impeach or displace this interpretation is alleged to be docetism;
it gives us a phantom as a Savior instead of the man Christ Jesus. ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm

A Jealous God
... His own Deity, honor, and supremacy, and the holy indignation which he feels towards
those who violate his laws, offend his majesty, or impeach his character. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/a jealous god.htm

Of the Inconsistencies of the Psychics.
... For, behold, I impeach you of fasting besides on the Paschal-day, beyond the limits
of those days in which "the Bridegroom was taken away;" and interposing the ...
/.../chapter xiii of the inconsistencies of.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... has not perfectly kept the law; that were to give the reward where the service is
not done, and that before God would be an act which might impeach his justice ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

The Intercession of Christ
... Whoever would impeach the hope of a true believer, must prove (if he can) that Christ
did not die; or that He did not rise from the dead; or that He was not ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlvii the intercession of.htm

The New Testament
... if capable of contradiction, might have been at once challenged and exposed, we
do not find that any attempt was meanwhile made to impeach their accuracy. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the new testament.htm

Impeach (3 Occurrences)
... before a competent tribunal, with misbehavior in office; to cite before a tribunal
for judgment of official misconduct; to arraign; as, to impeach a judge. ...
/i/impeach.htm - 8k

Introduced (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:2 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows:
"Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, for the perfect peace ...
/i/introduced.htm - 8k

Impatiently (2 Occurrences)

/i/impatiently.htm - 7k

Indebted (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:2 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows:
"Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, for the perfect peace ...
/i/indebted.htm - 8k

Impeached (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Impeach. Multi-Version Concordance
Impeached (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:6 And now I stand here ...
/i/impeached.htm - 6k

Implead (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To institute and prosecute a suit against, in
court; to sue or prosecute at law; hence, to accuse; to impeach. ...
/i/implead.htm - 7k

Follows (65 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:2 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows:
"Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, for the perfect peace ...
/f/follows.htm - 25k

Reforms (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:2 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows:
"Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, for the perfect peace ...
/r/reforms.htm - 7k

Declares (378 Occurrences)
... without works: (DBY). Romans 8:33 Who shall impeach those whom God has chosen?
God declares them free from guilt. (WEY). Romans 10 ...
/d/declares.htm - 35k

Amiss (8 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:5 "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come, go down with me,
and impeach the man, if there is anything amiss in him." (WEY ASV). ...
/a/amiss.htm - 10k

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