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5 Examples of Justice in the Bible – Viral Believer
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5 Examples of Justice in the Bible

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Introduction

Justice is an essential aspect of God’s character and one of the most important themes in the Bible. As Evangelical Christians, we believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand what the Bible teaches about justice and how we can apply it in our lives.

In this blog post, we will explore five examples of justice in the Bible and how they demonstrate God’s character and expectations for His people. These examples will show us that justice is not just about punishment, but also about fairness, impartiality, generosity, compassion, persistence, and accountability.

As we examine these examples, we must be careful not to confuse biblical justice with social justice, which is often based on secular ideologies and political agendas.

We must understand that biblical justice is rooted in God’s character and His perfect standards. Therefore, it is essential to approach this topic with humility, reverence, and a willingness to learn.

As we study these examples of justice in the Bible, may we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His expectations for His people. And may we strive to apply these principles in our lives, seeking to promote justice and righteousness in our communities and beyond.

justice in the Bible

What is Biblical Justice?

Before we delve into the examples, it is important to clarify what we mean by “biblical justice.” In recent years, the term “social justice” has become popular in many Christian circles, but it is important to note that biblical justice is different.

Biblical justice is based on the character of God and His laws, whereas social justice is often based on secular ideologies and political agendas.

Biblical justice is concerned with the fair and impartial administration of God’s laws, whereas social justice often seeks to redistribute wealth and power according to a certain group’s perceived needs or grievances.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice, righteousness, and fairness throughout its pages. God is portrayed as the ultimate source of justice, and His laws are intended to promote justice and righteousness in society.

According to Psalm 89:14, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” Therefore, biblical justice is not merely a human invention, but it is rooted in God’s character and His perfect standards.

Example 1: The Law of Retribution (Exodus 21:23-25)

The law of retribution, also known as “an eye for an eye,” is one of the most well-known examples of justice in the Bible. This law requires that the punishment fit the crime, and it was intended to prevent excessive retaliation and vigilantism.

In Exodus 21:23-25, it states: “But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This law was not meant to be taken literally, but rather to ensure that punishment was proportionate to the offense.

This law was given to the Israelites to govern their society and promote justice. It ensured that those who committed crimes received a fair and just punishment, and it prevented people from taking the law into their own hands.

It also served as a deterrent to potential offenders, as they knew that they would face a proportionate punishment for their actions.

Example 2: The Judgment of Solomon (1 Kings 3:16-28)

The judgment of Solomon is a famous story in which Solomon, known for his wisdom, is asked to arbitrate a dispute between two women who both claim to be the mother of a baby.

Solomon suggests cutting the baby in half and giving each woman half, but the real mother is willing to give up her claim to save the baby’s life. In this story, Solomon demonstrates his impartiality and wisdom in seeking a just solution to the dispute.

This story highlights the importance of impartiality in the administration of justice. Solomon did not take sides or show favoritism to either woman, but sought to find a just solution that would protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

His wisdom and impartiality earned him the respect and admiration of his people, and set an example for future judges and leaders.

Example 3: The Exile of Israel (2 Kings 17:7-23)

The exile of Israel is a sobering example of God’s justice. After years of rebellion and idolatry, God allowed the Assyrians to conquer Israel and take the people into exile.

This punishment was not arbitrary, but rather a consequence of their disobedience to God’s laws and commands. It serves as a warning to us today that God’s justice is not to be taken lightly.

The exile of Israel demonstrates that justice is not just about punishment, but it is also about accountability. God had warned Israel repeatedly about the consequences of their disobedience, but they chose to ignore His warnings and continued to rebel against Him.

As a result, God had no choice but to bring judgment upon them. This story teaches us that we must take God’s commands seriously and be accountable for our actions, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience.

Example 4: The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus tells the story of a widow who persistently goes to a judge to seek justice against her adversary. The judge initially ignores her, but eventually gives in to her demands because of her persistence. This story demonstrates the importance of persistence in seeking justice.

The persistent widow’s example shows us that justice is not just about the law, but it is also about perseverance and determination.

She did not give up even when faced with an unjust judge who did not care about her case. Her persistence eventually paid off, and she received the justice she deserved. This story teaches us that we must not give up in seeking justice, even when it seems like the odds are against us.

Example 5: The Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)

The final judgment is the ultimate example of justice in the Bible. In this passage, John describes a scene in which all people, both great and small, stand before God’s throne to be judged according to their deeds.

Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, while those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are granted eternal life. This judgment is a sober reminder that justice is not just a temporary concept, but one that has eternal consequences.

The final judgment demonstrates that justice is not just about this life, but it is also about eternity. The judgment is based on the deeds that we have done in this life, and those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation will face eternal punishment.

This story teaches us that justice is not just about fairness and impartiality, but it is also about God’s mercy and grace. The only way to escape the final judgment is to put our faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins and offers us eternal life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the examples of justice in the Bible demonstrate that justice is an essential aspect of God’s character and His expectations for His people.

These examples reveal that biblical justice is not just about punishment, but also about fairness, impartiality, generosity, compassion, persistence, and accountability. We must seek to understand and apply God’s laws and commands in a fair and impartial manner, showing compassion and generosity to those in need.

As Evangelical Christians, we must be careful not to confuse biblical justice with social justice, which is often based on secular ideologies and political agendas. We must approach this topic with humility and a willingness to learn from the wisdom of the Bible.

We must seek to promote justice and righteousness in our communities and beyond, recognizing that justice is not just a human invention, but it is rooted in God’s character and His perfect standards.

May we always remember that justice is an essential aspect of God’s character, and strive to live in accordance with His will. As we seek to promote justice and righteousness, may we do so with love, compassion, and humility, reflecting the character of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May we seek to be agents of change in a world that often lacks justice, and may we trust in the ultimate justice that will be brought to fruition in the final judgment.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.