Topical Bible: Magistrates: should Know the Law of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

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 the governance of society, and Scripture emphasizes the importance of their understanding and adherence to the Law of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the necessity for magistrates to be well-versed in God's law, as their judgments and decisions should reflect divine principles of justice and righteousness. In the Old Testament, the appointment of judges and officials was a critical aspect of maintaining order and justice among the people of Israel. Moses, under God's guidance, appointed capable men to serve as judges over the people, emphasizing the need for them to be God-fearing and trustworthy (Exodus 18:21).

Deuteronomy 1:16-17 : "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. Bring me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.’"

This passage highlights the expectation that judges should be impartial and fair, recognizing that their authority ultimately derives from God. Their judgments should be based on the principles laid out in God's law, ensuring that justice is served without favoritism or fear.

The Role of the Law

The Law of God, as given in the Scriptures, serves as the ultimate standard for justice and righteousness. Magistrates are called to know and apply this law in their duties. The psalmist declares the perfection and trustworthiness of God's law, which provides wisdom and guidance (Psalm 19:7-9).

Psalm 19:7-9 : "The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous."

Magistrates, therefore, are expected to align their judgments with these divine precepts, ensuring that their rulings are not only legally sound but also morally upright.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the role of governing authorities, including magistrates, is affirmed as being instituted by God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that rulers are God's servants, tasked with promoting good and restraining evil.

Romans 13:1-4 : "Everyone must submit himself 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. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer."

This passage reinforces the idea that magistrates, as part of the governing authorities, have a divine mandate to uphold justice according to God's standards. Their knowledge of God's law is crucial in fulfilling this role effectively.

Historical and Theological Insights

Throughout history, the Christian tradition has upheld the importance of magistrates being knowledgeable in God's law. Theologians and church leaders have often advocated for the integration of biblical principles in civil governance, arguing that true justice can only be achieved when God's law is the foundation of legal systems.

The Reformation period, in particular, saw a renewed emphasis on the role of Scripture in shaping the laws and practices of society. Reformers like John Calvin argued for the application of biblical law in civil matters, asserting that magistrates should be guided by the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible.

In summary, the biblical mandate for magistrates to know the Law of God is rooted in the understanding that true justice and righteousness are derived from divine principles. As stewards of justice, magistrates are called to align their judgments with the teachings of Scripture, ensuring that their governance reflects the character and will of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:25
And you, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach you them that know them not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... We do not know whether the great secession had ... which he gives to these peasant
magistrates bears on ... divisions, ecclesiastical and civil, as we should say, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

Human Government.
... times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the ... not unto men, and render obedience
to magistrates for the ... 3. It is said that Christians should leave human ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Law and Grace.
... law, if a man became a drunkard the magistrates would take ... the law, shut up unto
the faith which should afterwards be ... Perhaps some of you do not know what a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter v law and grace.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... Dt.16:18) that "judges and magistrates" should be appointed ... punishment, according
to true judgment, should be diminished ... precept, which all were bound to know. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ...
... In order to know that it is a good thing to exercise temperance, we need no ... For although
we should 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 ...
... and thou shalt stumble then, and not know whereupon, even ... the other, and so bring
them under a law. ... Ver.8. Magistrates should scatter away evil men with their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Easter Tuesday
... and subjected to himself emperors and magistrates equally with ... possessors of the
prophets and the Law and the ... as a people who have, and should know, the Word ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter tuesday 2.htm

St. Justin Martyr (Ad 166)
... old man, ordered that governors and magistrates should not give ... such outcries, and
that the Christians should no longer ... having a strong desire to know the truth ...
/.../chapter iii st justin martyr.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... How submissive have those insolent magistrates suddenly become! ... that he began to
inquire what lie should do to be ... We know with what indifference we listen to a ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

None but Jesus
... When our City magistrates were giving relief to the poor, nobody said ... There is no
reason in you why he should have mercy ... You say, "He is black." I know he is as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/none but jesus.htm