Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, magistrates are individuals appointed to administer justice and uphold the law within a community or nation. The role of a magistrate is one of significant responsibility, as they are entrusted with the authority to make decisions that affect the lives and well-being of others. Scripture provides guidance on the character and conduct expected of those in such positions, emphasizing the importance of integrity and impartiality.Biblical Mandate Against Covetousness Covetousness, or an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions, is consistently condemned in the Bible. It is seen as a root of many evils and a trait that can lead to corruption and injustice. For magistrates, the danger of covetousness is particularly acute, as it can compromise their ability to judge fairly and equitably. Exodus 18:21 provides a foundational principle for the selection of leaders, including magistrates: "But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens." This verse underscores the necessity for leaders to be free from the love of money and material gain, ensuring that their decisions are not swayed by personal interests. The Example of Samuel The prophet Samuel serves as an exemplary model of a leader who eschewed covetousness. In 1 Samuel 12:3-4, Samuel addresses the people of Israel, saying, "Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to overlook something? If I have done any of these, I will make it right." The people affirm Samuel's integrity, acknowledging that he had not taken bribes or acted unjustly. Samuel's life demonstrates the importance of maintaining a clear conscience and avoiding the pitfalls of covetousness. Warnings Against Bribery and Injustice The Bible frequently warns against bribery, a manifestation of covetousness that can pervert justice. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This verse highlights the destructive impact of covetousness on the judicial process, as it leads to decisions that favor the wealthy or influential at the expense of truth and fairness. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his instructions to Timothy regarding church leaders, which can be applied to magistrates as well: "For the overseer must be above reproach, as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." (Titus 1:7) This passage reinforces the expectation that those in positions of authority should be free from greed and the pursuit of dishonest gain. The Call to Righteousness Magistrates are called to embody righteousness and justice, reflecting the character of God in their judgments. Psalm 82:3-4 exhorts leaders to "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." This call to action requires a heart that is not entangled with covetous desires but is instead focused on serving others and upholding justice. In summary, the biblical expectation for magistrates is clear: they must hate covetousness and strive to administer justice with integrity and fairness. By doing so, they honor God and serve the community effectively, ensuring that their judgments are not tainted by personal gain or corruption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 18:21Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " The Way of Life and the Way of Death. On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... A Discourse of Mercifulness The Fourth Commandment Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Resources What does the Bible say about torture? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did John Calvin have Michael Servetus burned at the stake for heresy? | GotQuestions.org Where was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Magistrates are Appointed by God Magistrates are Ministers of God Magistrates are not a Terror to the Good, But to the Evil Magistrates: Purpose of Their Appointment Magistrates: should be Diligent in Ruling Magistrates: should be Faithful to the Sovereign Magistrates: should be Impartial Magistrates: should Defend the Poor Magistrates: should Enforce the Laws Magistrates: should Hate Covetousness Magistrates: should Judge for God, not for Man Magistrates: should Judge Righteously Magistrates: should Judge Wisely Magistrates: should Know the Law of God Magistrates: should not Take Bribes Magistrates: should Rule in the Fear of God Magistrates: should Seek Wisdom from God Magistrates: should Subjection to Their Authority Enjoined Magistrates: Their office to be Respected Magistrates: To be Wisely Selected and Appointed Magistrates: Wicked: Magistrates in Philippi Magistrates: Wicked: Sons of Samuel Magistrates: Wicked-Illustrated Related Terms Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences) |
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