Topical Bible: Justice: Specially Required in Rulers

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Justice is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme throughout the Bible. It is particularly emphasized as a requisite quality in those who hold positions of authority and governance. The Scriptures consistently highlight the responsibility of rulers to administer justice, reflecting God's own just nature and His concern for righteousness and equity among His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the importance of justice in leadership, beginning with the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 16:18-20, God commands the appointment of judges and officials who are to judge the people with righteous judgment: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for it blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you."

The requirement for justice is reiterated in the wisdom literature. Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." This proverb highlights the stabilizing effect of just leadership, contrasting it with the destructive consequences of corruption and exploitation.

Role of Kings and Leaders

The role of kings and leaders as enforcers of justice is further illustrated in the narratives of Israel's monarchy. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is a prime example. When God offered Solomon anything he desired, Solomon requested wisdom to govern the people justly. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon prays, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" Solomon's request pleased God, who granted him unparalleled wisdom to administer justice.

The prophets also called out the failure of leaders to uphold justice. Isaiah 1:23 condemns the rulers of Jerusalem: "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless, and the widow’s case does not come before them." This indictment reflects God's displeasure with leaders who neglect justice, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the call for justice in leadership continues. Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, embodies perfect justice. His teachings and actions consistently reflect God's justice, as seen in His concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting justice: "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."

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the role of governing authorities in maintaining justice. In Romans 13:1-4, he writes, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for justice in rulers is clear and compelling. From the laws given to Israel to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Scriptures affirm that those in authority are to reflect God's justice in their governance. This divine expectation serves as a guiding principle for leaders, reminding them of their duty to uphold righteousness and equity in all their dealings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 45:9
Thus said the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, said the Lord GOD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... of Nicodemus, we may understand that it required courage and ... This made it specially
hard for any one of the ... only a plea for fairness and for justice; but it ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xii jesus and his.htm

Of Civil Government.
... are not only altogether abhorrent to justice, but to ... guardianship, he was pleased
to be specially its legislator ... a capital offence, the accuser required is not ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... a protest, He would virtually have acknowledged the justice of the ... that which He
could not justly be required to do ... No one had been specially pointed out in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

Protest of the Princes.
... Yes, as a favor specially stipulated for in the ... at last summoned before the Diet,
and required to declare ... But the Reformers, assured of the justice of their ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /11 protest of the princes.htm

Protest of the Princes
... Yes, as a favor specially stipulated for in the ... at last summoned before the Diet
and required to declare ... But the Reformers, assured of the justice of their ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 11 protest of the.htm

The Eternal Revolution
... An almost unnatural vigilance is really required of the ... to kill the rich as violators
of definable justice. ... The one specially and peculiarly un-Christian idea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/vii the eternal revolution.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... they grow accustomed to sell justice and injustice ... from preaching and confession,
unless specially required to do ... The rulers are like the people"blind leaders ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Papal Power in the Church
... They render justice not so much for truth's sake as ... power of exercising most of the
rights specially reserved for ... And if he required so much state outside the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter x the papal power.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... justice and equity, but in accordance with justice, and free ... nor have the blood of
Christ required of you ... when the title of Bishop, as specially appropriated to ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... that under a combination of circumstances specially unfavorable for ... service, become
a magistrate or justice of the ... and submit to everything required of them. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm