Difference between revisions of "Justice in Jeremiah"

From Anabaptistwiki
Line 7: Line 7:
 
Justice in the Old Testament means considerably more than the English word suggests:
 
Justice in the Old Testament means considerably more than the English word suggests:
  
Old Testament                   Modern <BR>
+
Old Testament______________________Modern <BR>
  
Practice, “do” justice           “Get” justice <BR>
+
Practice, “do” justice_____________“Get” justice <BR>
 
Used in legal, social, religious sphere Primarily, legal sphere <BR>
 
Used in legal, social, religious sphere Primarily, legal sphere <BR>
 
A central concern everywhere      Restricted, even a marginal concern <BR>
 
A central concern everywhere      Restricted, even a marginal concern <BR>

Revision as of 08:59, 7 June 2013

ADB logo yellow.jpg Home A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Abbreviations Glossary


Honorable action which preserves well-being (šalom) all around, especially an action which sets right a disturbed situation. While it is linked with a ruler’s responsibilities and refers therefore to God and to kings, its practice is required of God’s people generally. God is one who proceeds in justice (Gen 16:5; Jer 11:20). He loves justice (Ps 37:28). Justice, along with righteousness, is the foundation of God’s throne (Ps 89:14). Kings are repeatedly called to rule justly, i.e., they are to care for those whose rights are overlooked and who are easily exploited (Jer 21:12).

God’s people are to do justice. This means they should show concern for the oppressed. Doing justice means coming to the defense of those who are helpless, the victims of mistreatment: strangers, orphans, widows. Justice includes fair decisions in the courtroom, but for the Hebrews more often it refers to fair dealings in everyday social life, including the proper protocol in all relationships: king/citizen, employer/employee, parent/child, and so on. Justice in the Old Testament means considerably more than the English word suggests:

Old Testament______________________Modern

Practice, “do” justice_____________“Get” justice
Used in legal, social, religious sphere Primarily, legal sphere
A central concern everywhere Restricted, even a marginal concern
Distribution Retribution

The noun “justice” (mišpaṭ) occurs 422 times in the Old Testament, 32 of which are in Jeremiah (e.g., 4:2; 5:1; 7:5; 9:24; 33:15). For a comparison/contrast, see Isaiah (e.g., 1:17; 5:7; 9:7; 10:2).



Elmer A. Martens