BE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT
Updated: Feb 2, 2022
Deuteronomy 25:1-3 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.
Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.
Insight and Highlight
God's law besides which there is no other laws and by which all laws must abide.
Scripture Commentaries
God is a God of justice.
In Deut 25:1-3, God set a standard of how justice will be executed on erring offenders.
There is more about the 40 allowable number of strokes mentioned in Deut 25:1-3. It is a reference point, an allegory, and a symbol of setting righteous judgment in delivering justice.
Forty strokes are agonizing, indicating that there is severe punishment for the offender. Unfortunately too, the innocent also suffer undeserved punishment of 40 strokes but less one, ref 2 Cor 11:24
God said 40 stripes but "...not exceed...", Deut 25:3. This interprets that any strokes less than forty is undeserved because offenders must receive the full forty according to Moses' law.
In the world of today, people receive "39" strokes of justice. This is symbolic of justice through lies, hate, betrayal, manipulations etc.
Are you called to jury service or judge a matter or dispute?
If you find one guilty grant the extent as the law permits, ("forty lashes", but not more).
If not guilty, do not punish at all to give "39" lashes. Acquit and free the accused.
Remorse corner
No judgment meted on anyone for wrongdoing must be more than as stipulated under a just and fair justice system. No one should suffer more than he has erred, Deut 25:1
Call to Word action
Amos 5:4 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
The Christian clarion duty
Do not judge in hypocrisy. Remember there is a Righteous Judge, our Advocate of the righteous,,1 John 2:1.
Prayer
Matthew 7:1-3 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Lord help me to judge rightly, let me be an advocate of true and fair justice, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and be blessed as you go today.
God bless you.
