JUSTICE IN THE BIBLE

In the fallen world, injustice, discrimination, lies, cheating and manipulation to favour the strong and powerful is common. It has been so since the times of Adam. Have we forgotten Cain and Abel; and how Cain used unjust means to murder his brother Abel, out of jealousy – to get what he wanted? Solomon the wise, writing in Ecclesiastes says – “8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter…” – Ecclesiastes 5:8

According to Discover the Word series “The Hebrew word for “justice” appears over 400 times in the Old Testament. And justice is just as important to God today as it was in the days of ancient Israel!” Here under are a few verses displaying the heart of God towards justice, for our knowledge and enlightenment…
– 15 “ ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.” – Leviticus 19:15
– “20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” – Deuteronomy 16:20
– “3 Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.” – Psalm 106:3
– “7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” – Proverbs 29:7
– “`Thus says the LORD, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3
– 21 “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savour your sacred assemblies…24 But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.” – Amos 5:21;24
– “9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” – Zechariah 7:9
– “8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Prophesying about the coming Messiah – “The Servant of the LORD” – prophet Isaiah says…
– “​1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.” – Isaiah 42:1.
Christine Erickson, writing in her article “Biblical Justice & Social Justice” observes…
– “Jesus pursued justice. He physically and spiritually rescued those in need. Healing the leper in Matthew 8 and caring for the woman caught in adultery in John 8 are just a few examples.”

It is plain and clear that God has a special concern for justice. God Himself is just and righteous, in all His dealings. A s Christians, the disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ, we are called to be the salt and the light – Matthew 5:13-16. We are to embody the LORD’s righteousness [Matthew 6:33] and uphold the justice of God as seen in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5-7, as we live as the ambassadors of our God [2 Corinthians 5:17.]