Topical Bible: Magistrates: Good: Job

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In the biblical context, magistrates are individuals who hold positions of authority and are responsible for administering justice and governance. The Book of Job provides a profound example of a righteous and just magistrate in the person of Job himself. Job is depicted as a man of integrity, wisdom, and fairness, embodying the qualities that are desirable in a good magistrate.

Job's Righteousness and Integrity

Job is introduced as a man who is "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His character is foundational to his role as a magistrate, as it establishes his commitment to justice and righteousness. Job's fear of God and his dedication to shunning evil are critical attributes that guide his judgments and decisions.

Job's Role as a Magistrate

While the Book of Job primarily focuses on his personal trials and dialogues with friends, it also provides insights into his role as a leader and judge in his community. Job reflects on his past actions and responsibilities, indicating his involvement in judicial matters. He states, "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and turban" (Job 29:14). This metaphorical language underscores Job's commitment to justice and his identity as a fair and impartial magistrate.

Job's Compassion and Advocacy for the Needy

Job's role as a magistrate is further highlighted by his compassion and advocacy for the marginalized. He recounts his efforts to assist the poor and defend the rights of the oppressed: "I rescued the poor who cried out, and the fatherless who had no helper" (Job 29:12). Job's actions demonstrate his understanding of justice as not merely punitive but also restorative and protective of the vulnerable.

Job's Wisdom and Discernment

Job's wisdom is another key aspect of his effectiveness as a magistrate. His ability to discern truth and make sound judgments is evident in his reflections: "When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square, the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet" (Job 29:7-8). This respect from both young and old signifies the high regard in which Job was held, a testament to his wisdom and authority.

Job's Commitment to Truth and Justice

Throughout his trials, Job maintains his commitment to truth and justice, even when falsely accused by his friends. He declares, "I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not accuse me as long as I live" (Job 27:6). This unwavering dedication to righteousness, despite personal suffering, highlights Job's integrity and steadfastness as a magistrate.

In summary, Job exemplifies the qualities of a good magistrate through his righteousness, compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice. His life and actions provide a model for those in positions of authority, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and advocacy for the vulnerable in the administration of justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 29:16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... so were you to deprive the world of magistrates, and of ... and because besides this
we have not a good conscience ... The blessed Job is a proof of this, who received ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... of thy face shalt thou eat bread." And Job v, "As ... take your enemies, the ungrateful,
and do good to them ... But the magistrates and cities ought to see to it that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not steal.htm

Another Shorter Evening Prayer.
... the royal family, together with all our magistrates and ministers ... Grant this, good
Father, for Christ Jesus' sake, my only ... thee in mind of thy grave (Job 17:13 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/another shorter evening prayer.htm

Epistle xx. St. Ambrose Relates to his Sister the Events at Milan ...
... commissioners, the apparitors of the different magistrates, were commanded ... one envies
all progress in good, he tempts ... He tried holy Job in his possessions, in ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle xx st ambrose relates.htm

Meditations for the Evening.
... xc.; Job 14:5), there is one more of thy number spent ... in doing it: for he that doth
good to his ... and the royal posterity, our ministers and magistrates, and all ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the evening.htm

The Law of God
... he may confound the devil, (Job 1 & ... but likewise the expiation and promised good
things were ... ceremonial law, such as concerned magistrates, contracts, division ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ...
... had literally to play the part of Job's wife. ... way again, by letting even some good
dispositions exist ... despise parents, yet while we fear magistrates, we shall ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiii a further thanksgiving.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... bringeth the wheel over them." O that our magistrates were so ... Let their counsel be
far from me." Job 21:16 ... Because their good is not in their hand, their candle ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Life of Mr. Angus Macbean.
... to execute their design, which the good man did ... not appear before them, nevertheless
the magistrates prevailed with ... He preached his farewel sermon on Job 34:31 ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr angus.htm

Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... How many were put off by the magistrates at that time, when evening was coming on;
how many even ... Was any more ready in good works than Job, braver in ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm