Topical Bible: Justice: Commanded

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Justice, as a divine mandate, is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The Scriptures consistently emphasize that justice is not merely a societal ideal but a command from God, integral to righteous living and community harmony.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the concept of justice, particularly in the Law given to Israel. In Deuteronomy 16:20, the Israelites are instructed, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you" . This command underscores the importance of justice as a prerequisite for the community's well-being and prosperity.

The prophets frequently called the people back to justice, highlighting its neglect as a reason for divine judgment. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures God's requirement: "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?" . Here, justice is paired with mercy and humility, indicating its role in a holistic approach to godly living.

Justice in Leadership and Society

Justice is particularly emphasized in the context of leadership. Leaders and judges are commanded to execute justice without partiality. In Leviticus 19:15, the law states, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly" . This command highlights the impartial nature of true justice, reflecting God's own impartiality.

The Psalms and Proverbs also speak to the necessity of justice in governance. Psalm 82:3-4 exhorts leaders: "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked" . Justice, therefore, involves active protection and advocacy for the vulnerable.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the importance of justice, often critiquing the religious leaders for neglecting it. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes the Pharisees: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former" . Here, justice is elevated as a "weightier matter," essential to true obedience to God.

The apostolic writings continue this theme, urging believers to embody justice in their interactions. James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism, a perversion of justice, within the Christian community. The call to justice is thus extended to all believers, not just leaders, as a reflection of their faith.

Justice as a Reflection of God's Character

Throughout Scripture, justice is portrayed as an attribute of God Himself. Psalm 89:14 declares, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You" . As God's people are called to reflect His character, the command to pursue justice is both a divine expectation and a means of manifesting God's kingdom on earth.

In summary, justice is a commanded virtue in the Bible, integral to the life of faith and community. It is a reflection of God's own nature and a requirement for those who seek to live in accordance with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 16:20
That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 56:1
Thus said the LORD, Keep you judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Justice of the Punishment with which Our First Parents were ...
... For as Abraham's obedience is with justice pronounced to be great, because the thing
commanded, to kill his son, was very difficult, so in Paradise the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 of the justice of.htm

Whether Satisfaction is an Act of Justice?
... directed, but is commanded by that habit to whose end it is directed ultimately,
hence satisfaction is elicited by justice but is commanded by charity. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether satisfaction is an act.htm

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice ...
... But, saith Justice Keelin (who was the judge in that court), do you come to church
(you know what ... I said, Because I did not find it commanded in the Word of God ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here is the sum of.htm

Whether Justice, as a General virtue, is Essentially the Same as ...
... are manifest. Reply to Objection 3: This argument again takes legal justice
for the virtue commanded by legal justice. Reply to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether justice as a general.htm

Whether God Ought to be Obeyed in all Things?
... Nor again was it contrary to justice that He commanded the Jews to take things
belonging to the Egyptians, because all things are His, and He gives them to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god ought to be 2.htm

On Justice and Goodness.
... How then had he commanded good and bad alike to be invited, without directing their ...
of Christ, what other objection can they bring against the justice of God's ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on justice and goodness.htm

Whether Theft is Always a Sin?
... one what is his, so that for this reason theft is contrary to justice, through being
a ... either secretly or openly by order of a judge who has commanded him to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether theft is always a.htm

Whether There is Only one Moral virtue About Operations?
... And the virtues, in so far as they are commanded by that justice, receive the name
of justice: so that virtue does not differ, save logically, from legal ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is only one 6.htm

Whether Justice is a virtue?
... Objection 1: It would seem that justice is not a virtue. For it is written
(Lk.17:10): "When you shall have done all these things that are commanded you, say ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether justice is a virtue.htm

Precepts About those Things which are Commanded, and of Pity.
... are commanded. Closely connected with harmlessness is pity. For the former does
not inflict injury, the latter works good; the former begins justice, the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap lxv precepts about those things.htm