Difference between revisions of "Justice in Jeremiah"
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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 | + | Old Testament Modern <BR> |
| − | Practice, “do” justice “Get” justice | + | 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 | + | A central concern everywhere Restricted, even a marginal concern <BR> |
| − | + | Distribution Retribution <BR> | |
| − | 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). | 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). | ||
Revision as of 07:21, 7 June 2013
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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). 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 |
