“For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.” Exodus 22:9

It is important to notice one thing more about the text cited above. Whenever a complaint of injustice was lodged, a case would be brought “before God.” What actually happened, as we see in Deuteronomy 1:16-18 and Ruth 4, was that the contending parties would come before the rulers of the city, assembled in the gates of the city, and argue their positions relative to the accusation. It would be up to the judges to hear the arguments and determine which man was in the right. The phrase, “before God,” is intended to remind us of the solemnity of such proceedings. These were not actions taken merely for the sake of human wellbeing; the honor, presence, and truth of God were at stake whenever injustice was present. God Himself must be vindicated, and He entrusted this duty to public servants, that they might do what is right and good before Him (Rom. 13:1-4).

A healthy polis, one where justice and all its benefits obtain, will not shy away from the use of retribution when it is appropriate. Public policy should reflect a determination to “wield the sword” against all evil, so that people will fear to transgress the bounds of justice and train their hearts to do what is right and good.

Thus five facets of justice are presented in the Law of God, and we shall see how, working together, the commandments, statutes, precepts, and rules of God’s Law can help us in our day to see our way through to sustaining a more just, peaceable, dignified, and productive society.

T. M. Moore

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