Topical Bible: Magistrates: should Defend the Poor

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In the biblical context, magistrates are civil officers or judges who are responsible for administering the law and ensuring justice within a community. The role of magistrates is significant in maintaining social order and upholding the principles of righteousness as outlined in Scripture. One of the key responsibilities of magistrates, as emphasized in the Bible, is the defense and protection of the poor and vulnerable members of society.

The Bible consistently underscores the importance of justice and fairness, particularly towards those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. In Proverbs 31:8-9 , it is written: "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." This passage highlights the duty of magistrates to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and to ensure that their rights are protected.

Furthermore, the Old Testament law provided specific instructions to ensure that the poor were treated justly. In Exodus 23:6 , the Israelites are commanded: "You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits." This directive serves as a reminder that the legal system should not be biased against the poor, and magistrates must be vigilant in preventing any form of injustice that might arise due to economic disparities.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice for the poor. In Isaiah 1:17 , the call is made: "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse emphasizes the proactive role that magistrates should take in correcting injustices and advocating for those who are most vulnerable, including orphans and widows.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus further reinforce the importance of caring for the poor. While not directly addressing magistrates, Jesus' emphasis on love, mercy, and justice provides a moral framework that should guide all leaders, including those in judicial positions. In Matthew 25:40 , Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." This teaching underscores the spiritual significance of defending and supporting the poor, as such actions are seen as service to Christ Himself.

The apostle James also addresses the issue of partiality in judgment, which can adversely affect the poor. In James 2:1-4 , he warns against showing favoritism, particularly towards the wealthy, and reminds believers that such behavior is inconsistent with the faith: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

In summary, the biblical mandate for magistrates to defend the poor is clear and compelling. Scripture calls for justice, equity, and compassion, urging those in positions of authority to protect the rights of the impoverished and to ensure that they receive fair treatment under the law. This responsibility is not only a legal obligation but also a moral and spiritual duty that reflects the heart of God for justice and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 29:12,16
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... which he gives to these peasant magistrates bears on ... two divisions, ecclesiastical
and civil, as we should say, the ... the pleas are begun, 'God defend the right ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... what was his by right, the very magistrates and rulers ... have the Divine Advocate who
alone can defend us against ... If anybody from the other side should wait upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

Of Civil Government.
... effect is the exhortation in the Psalm, "Defend the poor ... to teach others why there
are magistrates, and to ... honour, and tranquillity, so that it should be their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... In the psalm he exclaims: "Defend the fatherless and ... a ridiculous one (although I
should perhaps add ... the Gentiles, whether servants or magistrates." [3979] Now ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... was right for us to take up arms to defend the truth ... They must never act as judges
or magistrates. ... Instead of living in godless towns, they should try to settle ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv peter of chelcic.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... "Magistrates""that is, civil rulers, like the president, governor ... He never opened
His lips to defend Himself, but ... Those who suffer should find comfort in this ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

The Roman Power.
... After the magistrates had served a year at Rome, they were ... before him, thus asking
a heathen who should be the ... but that the Jews would not defend themselves on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xix the roman power.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... This duty pertains to the magistrates, who ought to ... exhort incontinent men to marriage,
and should exhort others not ... men in being willing to defend this unjust ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

The Fifth Book
... acts, the wicked decisions of the magistrates, the proscription ... procedure; on the
contrary, I should laud the ... order to rob them, that they defend the wretched ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

On Mr. Mccabe and a Divine Frivolity
... morals, it is a joke about police-magistrates or scientific ... I am much inclined to
defend myself in this matter ... Why should he be so ardent in desiring grave and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xvi on mr mccabe and.htm