Topical Bible: Magistrates: should Judge for God, not for Man

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, magistrates are individuals appointed to administer justice and uphold the law. The role of a magistrate is deeply rooted in the divine mandate to execute justice impartially and in accordance with God's statutes. The Bible provides clear guidance on the responsibilities and expectations of those who serve in judicial capacities, emphasizing that their ultimate accountability is to God rather than to human authorities or societal pressures.

Divine Mandate for Justice

The Scriptures affirm that all authority is established by God, and those who serve as magistrates are His servants, tasked with maintaining order and justice. Romans 13:1-4 underscores this principle: "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."

Judging with Impartiality

Magistrates are called to judge with fairness and impartiality, reflecting God's own nature as a just and righteous judge. Deuteronomy 1:16-17 instructs, "At that time I charged your judges: 'Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God.'"

This passage highlights the importance of impartiality and the recognition that judgment ultimately belongs to God. Magistrates are to render decisions without favoritism or fear of human opinion, acknowledging that they are accountable to a higher authority.

Accountability to God

The Bible emphasizes that magistrates must remember their accountability to God in all their judgments. 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 records Jehoshaphat's charge to the judges of Judah: "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God."

This passage serves as a solemn reminder that magistrates are to conduct their duties with the fear of the Lord, ensuring that their judgments align with divine justice rather than human inclinations or corrupt practices.

The Example of Solomon

King Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people is a profound example of a leader seeking divine guidance in judgment. 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 plea for wisdom underscores the necessity for divine insight in rendering just decisions, recognizing that human wisdom alone is insufficient.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for magistrates is clear: they are to judge for God, not for man. Their role is to administer justice with integrity, impartiality, and a deep reverence for God's law. By doing so, they fulfill their divine calling and contribute to a just and righteous society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 19:6
And said to the judges, Take heed what you do: for you judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... charge which he gives to these peasant magistrates bears on ... To judge righteously,
to vote honestly, is as much ... ecclesiastical and civil, as we should say, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Judge?
... 18): "Thou shalt appoint judges and magistrates in all ... 1:17), "because it is the
judgment of God.". ... who stand guilty of grievous sins should not judge those who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 6.htm

St. Justin Martyr (Ad 166)
... man, ordered that governors and magistrates should not give way ... currish ways), contrived
that Justin should be carried ... The judge questioned him as to his belief ...
/.../chapter iii st justin martyr.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... Dt.16:18) that "judges and magistrates" should be appointed ... kind, the Law prescribed
that all should foregather in ... divine worship; and the chief judge of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

Scriptural Christianity
... Who knoweth how soon the righteous Judge may say ... prevail with us, even though they
should really convince us ... Are all the Magistrates, all heads and Governors of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 4 scriptural christianity.htm

The Character of the New Testament Scripture.
... 2. An authentic declaration of the magistrates of the ... writers, that they were competent
to judge, willing to ... the resurrection of Christ, we should suffer the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxv the character of the.htm

Of Monastic Vows.
... through ignorance, being unable to judge their own ... of monks, although more consideration
should have been ... more meritorious than that of magistrates, than the ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvii of monastic vows.htm

The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... been that there were such Jewish magistrates in other ... to the highest motive, the
fear of God, and not ... her adversary, that is, that the Judge should make legal ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm

1 Cor. v. 11-Sep
... But you will say, what if he that is within judge contrary to ... Why should he? ... things
also to suspect; talent in speakers and corruption in magistrates and many ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 1 cor v.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... behoves all pastors of souls and magistrates, to possess ... a man to look within and
judge himself, seeing ... that it is God's appointing that you should now behold ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm