What does the Bible say about courts of justice?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that courts of justice are ordained to uphold righteousness, restrain evil, and render impartial judgments under God's authority. Israel's judges were to hear disputes carefully, refuse partiality, and judge without fear, remembering that judgment belongs to God (Deuteronomy 1:17; 17:8-12). Moses appointed capable leaders to handle ordinary cases while bringing difficult matters for wise counsel (Exodus 18:13-20, 26). Deborah also judged Israel with recognized authority (Judges 4:4-5). Priests and teachers were to preserve God's law and give faithful instruction (Malachi 2:7). In the new covenant, civil rulers remain God's servants for public order and the punishment of wrongdoing (Romans 13:1-5).
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Have authority from God Romans 13:1-5
- Superior court
- Held first by Moses alone in the wilderness Exodus 18:13-20
- Consisted subsequently of priests and Levites Deuteronomy 17:9; Malachi 2:7
- Presided over by the governor or the high priest Deuteronomy 17:12; Judges 4:4; Judges 4:5
- Held at the seat of government Deuteronomy 17:8
- Decided on all appeals and difficult cases Exodus 18:26; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 17:8; Deuteronomy 17:9
- Decisions of, conclusive Deuteronomy 17:10; Deuteronomy 17:11
- Inferior court
- In all cities Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Chronicles 19:5-7
- Held at the gates Genesis 34:20; Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 21:19; Job 5:4
- Judges of, appointed by the governor Exodus 18:21; Exodus 18:25; Deuteronomy 1:9-15; 2 Samuel 15:3
- All minor cases decided by Exodus 18:26; 2 Samuel 15:4
- All transfers of property made before Genesis 23:17-20; Ruth 4:1; Ruth 4:2
- Re-established by Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 19:5-10
- Re-established by Ezra Ezra 7:25
- Sanhedrim or court of the seventy
- Probably derived from the seventy elders appointed by Moses Exodus 24:9; Numbers 11:16; Numbers 11:17; Numbers 11:24-30
- Mentioned in the latter part of sacred history Luke 22:66; John 11:47; Acts 5:27
- Consisted of chief priest, &c Matthew 26:57; Matthew 26:59
- Presided over by high priest Matthew 26:62-66
- Sat in high priest’s palace Matthew 26:57; Matthew 26:58
- Of the romans in Judea
- Presided over by the governor or deputy Matthew 27:2; Matthew 27:11; Acts 18:12
- Place of, called the hall of judgment John 18:28; John 18:33; John 19:9
- Never interfered in any dispute about minor matters or about religion Acts 18:14; Acts 18:15
- Could alone award death John 18:31
- Never examined their own citizens by torture Acts 22:25-29
- Appeals from, made to the emperor Acts 25:11; Acts 26:32; Acts 28:19
- Generally held in the morning Jeremiah 21:12; Matthew 27:1; Luke 22:66; Acts 5:21
- Sometimes held in synagogues Matthew 10:17; Acts 22:19; Acts 26:11; James 2:2
- Provided with
- Judges Deuteronomy 16:18
- Officers Deuteronomy 16:18; Matthew 5:25
- Tormentors or executioners Matthew 18:34
- Judges of
- Called elders Deuteronomy 25:7; 1 Samuel 16:4
- Called magistrates Luke 12:58
- Rode often on white asses Judges 5:10
- To judge righteously Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:6
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