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− | [[file:ADB_logo_yellow.jpg|x20px]] '''[[Anabaptist Dictionary of the Bible|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]]'''
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− | [[file:BCBC Jeremiah.jpg|frame|right|x310px|link=http://store.mpn.net/productdetails.cfm?PC=1430|[http://store.mennomedia.org/Jeremiah-P270.aspx''Jeremiah'', by Elmer A. Martens (Believers Church Bible Commentary)]'']]
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− | 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).
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− | 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.
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− | Justice in the Old Testament means considerably more than the English word suggests:
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− | Old Testament Modern
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− | Practice, “do” justice “Get” justice
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− | Used in legal, social, religious sphere Primarily, legal sphere
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− | A central concern everywhere Restricted, even a marginal concern
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− | Distribution Retribution
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− | 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).
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− | {| border="1" style="text-align: right; color: green; background-color:#ffffcc; float: right"
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− | |—'''''[[Elmer A. Martens]]'''''
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− | |}
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