Topical Encyclopedia Justice, as a fundamental attribute of God's character, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is the moral standard by which God measures human actions and the principle by which He governs the world. The execution of justice is a divine mandate, reflecting God's righteousness and holiness.Old Testament Foundations In the Old Testament, justice is closely linked with righteousness and is often mentioned in the context of God's covenant with Israel. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," appears frequently, emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable treatment. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." This directive underscores the necessity of justice for the well-being and prosperity of the community. The Law given to Moses includes numerous statutes designed to ensure justice among the people. For instance, Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "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 verse highlights the impartiality required in executing judgment, reflecting God's own impartial nature. The prophets frequently called Israel back to the practice of justice, condemning the nation's failure to uphold it. Micah 6:8 succinctly states, "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 presented as a fundamental requirement of a life pleasing to God. New Testament Continuation In the New Testament, the concept of justice is expanded and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies divine justice, and His teachings often address the need for justice in human relationships. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "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 justice in the life of believers. In Romans 13:1-4 , he writes about the role of governing authorities as agents of God's justice: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. 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? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for 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." Divine Justice and Human Responsibility The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate judge who will execute perfect justice. Psalm 9:7-8 declares, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." This assurance of divine justice provides hope and a standard for human justice. Believers are called to reflect God's justice in their own lives, acting as His representatives on earth. Proverbs 21:3 states, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This verse emphasizes that God values justice as an expression of true worship and devotion. In summary, justice in executing judgment is a divine command that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It is a reflection of God's character and a requirement for His people, ensuring that righteousness prevails in human affairs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 16:18Judges and officers shall you make you in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, throughout your tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 21:12 Library My Judgment Respecting the Two Last Described Schemes of ... John Chapter v. 24-30 Unimpeachable Justice Misused Respite How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes The Winepress and Its Treader Atonement. The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil. Ahab and Elijah Resources What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a God of justice? | GotQuestions.org Justice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justice: Brings Its own Reward Justice: Christ, an Example of Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On Justice: Saints should Always Do Justice: Saints should Pray for Wisdom to Execute Justice: Saints should Receive Instruction In Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing Justice: Saints should Teach Others to Do Justice: Specially Required in Rulers Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With Justice: The Wicked: Call not For Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over Justice: To be Done in Buying and Selling Justice: To be Done in Executing Judgment Justice: To be Done: To Servants Justice: To be Done: To the Fatherless and Widows Justice: To be Done: To the Poor The Justice of God is a Part of his Character The Justice of God: Acknowledge The Justice of God: Declared to be without Respect of Persons The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Impartial The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incomparable The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incorruptible The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Plenteous The Justice of God: Declared to Be: The Habitation of his Throne The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Undeviating The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Unfailing The Justice of God: Denied by the Ungodly The Justice of God: Exhibited in all his Ways The Justice of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Government The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Judgments The Justice of God: Exhibited in Redemption The Justice of God: Exhibited in The Final Judgment The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against Related Terms |
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