Topical Bible: Magistrates: should Judge Righteously

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In the biblical context, magistrates are individuals appointed to administer justice and uphold the law. The Bible emphasizes the importance of righteous judgment, underscoring the divine expectation that those in positions of authority should reflect God's justice and fairness.

Biblical Foundation for Righteous Judgment

The call for magistrates to judge righteously is rooted in the character of God, who is the ultimate Judge. Deuteronomy 1:16-17 provides a foundational directive: "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 intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God.'" This passage highlights the impartiality and courage required of judges, reflecting God's own just nature.

Impartiality and Fairness

The Bible repeatedly stresses the importance of impartiality in judgment. 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 command underscores that justice should not be swayed by social status or personal bias, but should be administered equitably.

Accountability to God

Magistrates are reminded that their authority is derived from God, and they are accountable to Him for their judgments. In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 , Jehoshaphat appoints judges and admonishes them: "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."

Wisdom and Discernment

The need for wisdom and discernment in judgment is evident in the biblical narrative. Solomon's request for wisdom to govern the people is a prime example. 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?" God grants Solomon's request, highlighting the necessity of divine wisdom in executing justice.

Warnings Against Corruption

The Bible warns against the corruption of justice through bribery and deceit. Exodus 23:8 cautions, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This warning serves as a reminder that integrity is essential for those who judge, as corruption undermines the very foundation of justice.

Role of Magistrates in Society

Magistrates play a crucial role in maintaining order and justice within society. Romans 13:1-4 outlines the divine institution of governing authorities: "Let every person 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."

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for magistrates to judge righteously is clear and compelling. As representatives of God's justice on earth, they are called to administer the law with fairness, impartiality, and integrity, always mindful of their accountability to God. Through their righteous judgment, magistrates uphold the divine order and contribute to a just and equitable society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 1:16
And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brothers, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.
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Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges 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.
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Deuteronomy 25:1
If there be a controversy between men, and they come to judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
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Library

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

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
... to day, like that of our local magistrates; but this ... It were a pity that such deeds
should be left ... secret part of the action he would not judge righteously. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/coming judgment of the secrets.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... 3354] And whatsoever thou wouldest not should be done ... is just is reserved to the
magistrates alone. ... Between Those that Quarrel, to Judge Righteously, and Not ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... given to them: or if they should agree, and ... of power, to determine and judge errours
and ... But Magistrates addresse themselves thereto, partly by commanding, and ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Of Civil Government.
... causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every ... teach others why
there are magistrates, and to ... and tranquillity, so that it should be their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Titus ii. 14-Nov
... subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ... speak evil of no
man." Our lips should be pure ... us to utter them, but for the Judge to enquire ...
/.../homily v titus ii 14-nov.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and the magistrates, and authorities ...
soul of Daniel, that young as he was he should become a judge of Elders ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... how great that rest will be; do thou judge with what measure of toil it should be
bought. ... and cities, who gave information to the magistrates of notorious ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... is, that human laws, whether enacted by magistrates or by ... for the edification of
the Church, should be accommodated ... Charity is the best judge of what tends to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... Judges, and magistrates, and kings, having power in civil ... that inculcate the service
in general, should be interpreted ... for joy; for thou shalt judge the people ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm