Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: A Call for Divine Justice is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the human longing for God's righteous intervention in a world marred by injustice, oppression, and sin. This theme is woven into the fabric of biblical narrative, law, prophecy, wisdom literature, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It underscores the belief in God as the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs and establish His kingdom of justice and peace. Old Testament Context: The Old Testament is replete with cries for divine justice, often articulated by prophets, psalmists, and leaders of Israel. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," is frequently associated with God's character and His expectations for His people. 1. The Law: The Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions aimed at ensuring justice within the community of Israel. For example, Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." 2. The Psalms: The psalmists often cry out for God's justice in the face of personal and national adversity. Psalm 82:3-4 implores, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." 3. The Prophets: Prophets like Isaiah and Amos are vocal in their calls for justice. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Amos 5:24 famously declares, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." New Testament Context: The New Testament continues the theme of divine justice, with a focus on the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. 1. The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus emphasizes justice in His ministry, often challenging the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and lack of true justice. In Matthew 23:23 , He rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." 2. The Parables: Jesus uses parables to illustrate the principles of divine justice. The Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8 highlights the importance of persistent prayer for justice, concluding with the assurance that God will bring about justice for His chosen ones. 3. The Apostolic Writings: The apostles continue to affirm God's role as the just judge. In Romans 12:19 , Paul advises, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Eschatological Hope: The Bible culminates in the eschatological hope of divine justice, where God will ultimately judge the world and establish His eternal kingdom. Revelation 20:12 describes the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." Conclusion: A Call for Divine Justice is a profound biblical theme that resonates with the human desire for righteousness and equity. It reflects the assurance that God, as the ultimate judge, will bring about justice in His perfect timing, fulfilling His promises to His people and establishing His kingdom of peace and righteousness. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |