TheArtofRuling-PoliticalGovernance
LetterofAristeas
Thekingreceivedtheanswerwithapprobationandinquiredofthenext,'Whatisthemostessential qualificationforruling?''Tokeeponeself,'heanswered,'freefrombriberyandtopractisesobriety duringthegreaterpartofone'slife,tohonourrighteousnessaboveallthings,andtomakefriendsof menofthistype.ForGod,too,isaloverofjustice!LetterofAristeas8:12-13
Thekingsignifiedhisagreementandsaidtoanother,'Whatistheessenceofkingship?'Andhe replied,'Toruleoneselfwellandnottobeledastraybywealthorfametoimmoderateorunseemly desires,thisisthetruewayofrulingifyoureasonthematterwelloutForallthatyoureallyneedis yours,andGodisfreefromneedandbenignantwithal.Letyourthoughtsbesuchasbecomeaman, anddesirenotmanythingsbutonlysuchasarenecessaryforruling!LetterofAristeas8:15-16
Onthefollowingday,thesamearrangementwasobserved,andwhenthekingfoundanopportunity ofputtingquestionstothemen,hequestionedthefirstofthosewhohadbeenleftoverforthenext interrogation,Whatisthehighestformofgovernment?Andhereplied,'Toruleoneselfandnottobe carriedawaybyimpulsesForallmenpossessacertainnaturalbentofmindItisprobablethatmost menhaveaninclinationtowardsfoodanddrinkandpleasure,andkingsabenttowardsthe acquisitionofterritoryandgreatrenown.Butitisgoodthatthereshouldbemoderationinallthings. LetterofAristeas8:26-27
Thekinggaveakindlyreceptiontothemanandaskedthenexttoanswerthequestion,howhecould avoidalifeofeaseandpleasure?Andhereplied,'Ifhecontinuallyrememberedthathewastheruler ofagreatempireandthelordofvastmultitudes,andthathismindoughtnottobeoccupiedwith otherthings,but,heoughtalwaystobeconsideringhowhecouldbestpromotetheirwelfareHe mustpray,too,toGodthatnodutymightbeneglected.'LetterofAristeas9:17-18
'Howcanamankeephimselffrompride?'Andhereplied,'Ifhemaintainsequalityandremembers onalloccasionsthatheisamanrulingovermen.AndGodbringstheproudtonought,andexaltsthe meekandhumble!LetterofAristeas9:45-46
Thekingsaidthatthisman,too,hadspokenwell,andaskedthenext,Whomoughtwetoappointas governors?Andhereplied,'Allwhohatewickedness,andimitatingyourownconductact righteouslythattheymaymaintainagoodreputationconstantly.Forthisiswhatyoudo,Omighty King,'hesaid,'anditisGodwhohasbestoweduponyouthecrownofrighteousness'Letterof Aristeas10:7-8
Thekingspentsometimeinpraisingthismanandthenaskedthelastofall,Whatisthegreatest achievementinrulinganempire?Andhereplied,'Thatthesubjectsshouldcontinuallydwellina
stateofpeace,andthatjusticeshouldbespeedilyadministeredincasesofdispute'LetterofAristeas 10:23-24
Pentateuch
ForIknowhim,thathewillcommandhischildrenandhishouseholdafterhim,andtheyshallkeep thewayoftheLORD,todojusticeandjudgment;thattheLORDmaybringuponAbrahamthat whichhehathspokenofhimGenesis18:19
Moreoverthoushaltprovideoutofallthepeopleablemen,suchasfearGod,menoftruth,hating covetousness;andplacesuchoverthem,toberulersofthousands,andrulersofhundreds,rulersof fifties,andrulersoftens:Andletthemjudgethepeopleatallseasons:anditshallbe,thatevery greatmattertheyshallbringuntothee,buteverysmallmattertheyshalljudge:soshallitbeeasier forthyself,andtheyshallbeartheburdenwiththee.Exodus18:21-22
Thoushaltnotraiseafalsereport:putnotthinehandwiththewickedtobeanunrighteouswitness Thoushaltnotfollowamultitudetodoevil;neithershaltthouspeakinacausetodeclineaftermany towrestjudgment:NeithershaltthoucountenanceapoormaninhiscauseThoushaltnotwrestthe judgmentofthypoorinhiscause.Keeptheefarfromafalsematter;andtheinnocentandrighteous slaythounot:forIwillnotjustifythewicked.Exodus23:1-3,6-7
Yeshalldonounrighteousnessinjudgment:thoushaltnotrespectthepersonofthepoor,norhonour thepersonofthemighty:butinrighteousnessshaltthoujudgethyneighbourYeshalldono unrighteousnessinjudgment,inmeteyard,inweight,orinmeasure.Leviticus19:15,35
Takeyouwisemen,andunderstanding,andknownamongyourtribes,andIwillmakethemrulers overyou.AndIchargedyourjudgesatthattime,saying,Hearthecausesbetweenyourbrethren,and judgerighteouslybetweeneverymanandhisbrother,andthestrangerthatiswithhimYeshallnot respectpersonsinjudgment;butyeshallhearthesmallaswellasthegreat;yeshallnotbeafraidof thefaceofman;forthejudgmentisGod's:andthecausethatistoohardforyou,bringituntome, andIwillhearitDeuteronomy1:13,16-17
Nowthereforehearken,OIsrael,untothestatutesanduntothejudgments,whichIteachyou,forto dothem,thatyemaylive,andgoinandpossessthelandwhichtheLORDGodofyourfathers givethyou.Deuteronomy4:1
Hedothexecutethejudgmentofthefatherlessandwidow,andloveththestranger,ingivinghim foodandraimentDeuteronomy10:18
Judgesandofficersshaltthoumaketheeinallthygates,whichtheLORDthyGodgiveththee, throughoutthytribes:andtheyshalljudgethepeoplewithjustjudgmentThoushaltnotwrest judgment;thoushaltnotrespectpersons,neithertakeagift:foragiftdothblindtheeyesofthewise, andpervertthewordsoftherighteous.Deuteronomy16:18-19
Anditshallbe,whenhesittethuponthethroneofhiskingdom,thatheshallwritehimacopyofthis lawinabookoutofthatwhichisbeforetheprieststheLevites:Anditshallbewithhim,andhe shallreadthereinallthedaysofhislife:thathemaylearntofeartheLORDhisGod,tokeepallthe wordsofthislawandthesestatutes,todothem:Thathisheartbenotliftedupabovehisbrethren, andthatheturnnotasidefromthecommandment,totherighthand,ortotheleft:totheendthathe
mayprolonghisdaysinhiskingdom,he,andhischildren,inthemidstofIsraelDeuteronomy 17:18-20
Thoushaltnotpervertthejudgmentofthestranger,norofthefatherless;nortakeawidow'sraiment topledge:Deuteronomy24:17
Iftherebeacontroversybetweenmen,andtheycomeuntojudgment,thatthejudgesmayjudge them;thentheyshalljustifytherighteous,andcondemnthewicked.Deuteronomy25:1
Cursedbehethatperverteththejudgmentofthestranger,fatherless,andwidow.Andallthepeople shallsay,AmenDeuteronomy27:19
History
NeverthelesstheLORDraisedupjudges,whichdeliveredthemoutofthehandofthosethatspoiled themJudges2:16
MyheartistowardthegovernorsofIsrael,thatofferedthemselveswillinglyamongthepeopleBless yetheLORD.Judges5:9
AndDavidreignedoverallIsrael;andDavidexecutedjudgmentandjusticeuntoallhispeople2 Samuel8:15
TheGodofIsraelsaid,theRockofIsraelspaketome,Hethatrulethovermenmustbejust,rulingin thefearofGod.Andheshallbeasthelightofthemorning,whenthesunriseth,evenamorning withoutclouds;asthetendergrassspringingoutoftheearthbyclearshiningafterrain2Samuel 23:3-4
Andnow,OLORDmyGod,thouhastmadethyservantkinginsteadofDavidmyfather:andIam butalittlechild:Iknownothowtogooutorcomein.Andthyservantisinthemidstofthypeople whichthouhastchosen,agreatpeople,thatcannotbenumberednorcountedformultitudeGive thereforethyservantanunderstandinghearttojudgethypeople,thatImaydiscernbetweengood andbad:forwhoisabletojudgethisthysogreatapeople?AndthespeechpleasedtheLord,that SolomonhadaskedthisthingAndGodsaiduntohim,Becausethouhastaskedthisthing,andhast notaskedforthyselflonglife;neitherhastaskedrichesforthyself,norhastaskedthelifeofthine enemies;buthastaskedforthyselfunderstandingtodiscernjudgment;Behold,Ihavedone accordingtothywords:lo,Ihavegiventheeawiseandanunderstandingheart;sothattherewas noneliketheebeforethee,neitheraftertheeshallanyariselikeuntothee1Kings3:7-12
AndallIsraelheardofthejudgmentwhichthekinghadjudged;andtheyfearedtheking:forthey sawthatthewisdomofGodwasinhim,todojudgment1Kings3:28
Andifthouwiltwalkbeforeme,asDavidthyfatherwalked,inintegrityofheart,andinuprightness, todoaccordingtoallthatIhavecommandedthee,andwiltkeepmystatutesandmyjudgments: ThenIwillestablishthethroneofthykingdomuponIsraelforever,asIpromisedtoDavidthy father,saying,ThereshallnotfailtheeamanuponthethroneofIsrael1Kings9:4-5
Happyarethymen,happyarethesethyservants,whichstandcontinuallybeforethee,andthathear thywisdomBlessedbetheLORDthyGod,whichdelightedinthee,tosettheeonthethroneof
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
Israel:becausetheLORDlovedIsraelforever,thereforemadehetheeking,todojudgmentand justice.1Kings10:8-9
AndthemanJeroboamwasamightymanofvalour:andSolomonseeingtheyoungmanthathewas industrious,hemadehimruleroverallthechargeofthehouseofJoseph.1Kings11:28
SoDavidreignedoverallIsrael,andexecutedjudgmentandjusticeamongallhispeople.1 Chronicles18:14
Thenshaltthouprosper,ifthoutakestheedtofulfilthestatutesandjudgmentswhichtheLORD chargedMoseswithconcerningIsrael:bestrong,andofgoodcourage;dreadnot,norbedismayed1 Chronicles22:13
MoreoverIwillestablishhiskingdomforever,ifhebeconstanttodomycommandmentsandmy judgments,asatthisday.1Chronicles28:7
AndSolomonthesonofDavidwasstrengthenedinhiskingdom,andtheLORDhisGodwaswith him,andmagnifiedhimexceedingly.2Chronicles1:1
Givemenowwisdomandknowledge,thatImaygooutandcomeinbeforethispeople:forwhocan judgethisthypeople,thatissogreat?AndGodsaidtoSolomon,Becausethiswasinthineheart,and thouhastnotaskedriches,wealth,orhonour,northelifeofthineenemies,neitheryethastasked longlife;buthastaskedwisdomandknowledgeforthyself,thatthoumayestjudgemypeople,over whomIhavemadetheeking:Wisdomandknowledgeisgranteduntothee;andIwillgivethee riches,andwealth,andhonour,suchasnoneofthekingshavehadthathavebeenbeforethee, neithershallthereanyaftertheehavethelike2Chronicles1:10-12
AndSolomondeterminedtobuildanhouseforthenameoftheLORD,andanhouseforhis kingdomHuramsaidmoreover,BlessedbetheLORDGodofIsrael,thatmadeheavenandearth, whohathgiventoDavidthekingawiseson,enduedwithprudenceandunderstanding,thatmight buildanhousefortheLORD,andanhouseforhiskingdom2Chronicles2:1,12
Andasforthee,ifthouwiltwalkbeforeme,asDavidthyfatherwalked,anddoaccordingtoallthat Ihavecommandedthee,andshaltobservemystatutesandmyjudgments;ThenwillIstablishthe throneofthykingdom,accordingasIhavecovenantedwithDavidthyfather,saying,Thereshallnot failtheeamantoberulerinIsrael.2Chronicles7:17-18
BlessedbetheLORDthyGod,whichdelightedintheetosettheeonhisthrone,tobekingforthe LORDthyGod:becausethyGodlovedIsrael,toestablishthemforever,thereforemadehethee kingoverthem,todojudgmentandjustice.2Chronicles9:8
Andsaidtothejudges,Takeheedwhatyedo:foryejudgenotforman,butfortheLORD,whois withyouinthejudgment.WhereforenowletthefearoftheLORDbeuponyou;takeheedanddoit: forthereisnoiniquitywiththeLORDourGod,norrespectofpersons,nortakingofgifts2 Chronicles19:6-7
LettheworkofthishouseofGodalone;letthegovernoroftheJewsandtheeldersoftheJewsbuild thishouseofGodinhisplace.Ezra6:7
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
ForEzrahadpreparedhishearttoseekthelawoftheLORD,andtodoit,andtoteachinIsrael statutesandjudgments.Ezra7:10
Andthou,Ezra,afterthewisdomofthyGod,thatisinthinehand,setmagistratesandjudges,which mayjudgeallthepeoplethatarebeyondtheriver,allsuchasknowthelawsofthyGod;andteach yethemthatknowthemnotAndwhosoeverwillnotdothelawofthyGod,andthelawoftheking, letjudgmentbeexecutedspeedilyuponhim,whetheritbeuntodeath,ortobanishment,orto confiscationofgoods,ortoimprisonment.Ezra7:25-26
ThatIgavemybrotherHanani,andHananiahtherulerofthepalace,chargeoverJerusalem:forhe wasafaithfulman,andfearedGodabovemanyNehemiah7:2
ForMordecaitheJewwasnextuntokingAhasuerus,andgreatamongtheJews,andacceptedofthe multitudeofhisbrethren,seekingthewealthofhispeople,andspeakingpeacetoallhisseedEsther 10:3
Letuschoosetousjudgment:letusknowamongourselveswhatisgood.Job34:4
Psalms
ButtheLORDshallendureforever:hehathpreparedhisthroneforjudgmentAndheshalljudge theworldinrighteousness,heshallministerjudgmenttothepeopleinuprightness.Psalm9:7-8
Helovethrighteousnessandjudgment:theearthisfullofthegoodnessoftheLORD.Psalm33:5
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisown inheritance.Psalm33:12
FortheLORDlovethjudgment,andforsakethnothissaints;theyarepreservedforever:buttheseed ofthewickedshallbecutoff.Themouthoftherighteousspeakethwisdom,andhistonguetalkethof judgmentPsalm37:28,30
Givethekingthyjudgments,OGod,andthyrighteousnessuntotheking'ssonHeshalljudgethy peoplewithrighteousness,andthypoorwithjudgmentHeshalljudgethepoorofthepeople,he shallsavethechildrenoftheneedy,andshallbreakinpiecestheoppressor.Psalm72:1-2,4
Defendthepoorandfatherless:dojusticetotheafflictedandneedy.Deliverthepoorandneedy:rid themoutofthehandofthewickedPsalm82:3-4
Justiceandjudgmentarethehabitationofthythrone:mercyandtruthshallgobeforethyface.Psalm 89:14
Butjudgmentshallreturnuntorighteousness:andalltheuprightinheartshallfollowit.Psalm94:15
Cloudsanddarknessareroundabouthim:righteousnessandjudgmentarethehabitationofhis thronePsalm97:2
Theking'sstrengthalsolovethjudgment;thoudostestablishequity,thouexecutestjudgmentand righteousnessinJacobPsalm99:4
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
TheLORDexecutethrighteousnessandjudgmentforallthatareoppressed.Psalm103:6
Blessedaretheythatkeepjudgment,andhethatdoethrighteousnessatalltimesPsalm106:3
Theworksofhishandsareverityandjudgment;allhiscommandmentsaresurePsalm111:7
Ihavechosenthewayoftruth:thyjudgmentshaveIlaidbeforeme.Teachmegoodjudgmentand knowledge:forIhavebelievedthycommandmentsIhavesworn,andIwillperformit,thatIwill keepthyrighteousjudgments.Ihavedonejudgmentandjustice:leavemenottomineoppressors. Psalm119:30,66,106,121
HappyishethathaththeGodofJacobforhishelp,whosehopeisintheLORDhisGod:Which madeheaven,andearth,thesea,andallthatthereinis:whichkeepethtruthforever:Which executethjudgmentfortheoppressed:whichgivethfoodtothehungry.TheLORDlooseththe prisoners:Psalm146:5-7
ProverbsofKingSolomon
TheproverbsofSolomonthesonofDavid,kingofIsrael;Toknowwisdomandinstruction;to perceivethewordsofunderstanding;Toreceivetheinstructionofwisdom,justice,andjudgment, andequity;Togivesubtiltytothesimple,totheyoungmanknowledgeanddiscretion.Proverbs1:14
FortheLORDgivethwisdom:outofhismouthcomethknowledgeandunderstanding.Helayethup soundwisdomfortherighteous:heisabucklertothemthatwalkuprightlyHekeepeththepathsof judgment,andpreserveththewayofhissaints.Thenshaltthouunderstandrighteousness,and judgment,andequity;yea,everygoodpathProverbs2:6-9
ThefearoftheLORDistohateevil:pride,andarrogancy,andtheevilway,andthefrowardmouth, doIhateCounselismine,andsoundwisdom:Iamunderstanding;IhavestrengthBymekings reign,andprincesdecreejustice.Bymeprincesrule,andnobles,evenallthejudgesoftheearth. Proverbs8:13-16
Thehandofthediligentshallbearrule:buttheslothfulshallbeundertribute.Proverbs12:24
Adivinesentenceisinthelipsoftheking:hismouthtransgressethnotinjudgment.Itisan abominationtokingstocommitwickedness:forthethroneisestablishedbyrighteousness Righteouslipsarethedelightofkings;andtheylovehimthatspeakethrightProverbs16:10,12-13
Hethatisslowtoangerisbetterthanthemighty;andhethatrulethhisspiritthanhethattaketha city.Proverbs16:32
AwickedmantakethagiftoutofthebosomtopervertthewaysofjudgmentProverbs17:23
Itisnotgoodtoacceptthepersonofthewicked,tooverthrowtherighteousinjudgmentProverbs 18:5
AkingthatsittethinthethroneofjudgmentscatterethawayallevilwithhiseyesProverbs20:8
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
Awisekingscattereththewicked,andbringeththewheeloverthem.Proverbs20:26
Mercyandtruthpreservetheking:andhisthroneisupholdenbymercyProverbs20:28
TodojusticeandjudgmentismoreacceptabletotheLORDthansacrificeTherobberyofthe wickedshalldestroythem;becausetheyrefusetodojudgment.Proverbs21:3,7
Itisjoytothejusttodojudgment:butdestructionshallbetotheworkersofiniquityProverbs21:15
ThesethingsalsobelongtothewiseItisnotgoodtohaverespectofpersonsinjudgmentHethat saithuntothewicked,Thouartrighteous;himshallthepeoplecurse,nationsshallabhorhim:Butto themthatrebukehimshallbedelight,andagoodblessingshallcomeuponthem.Proverbs24:23-25
Hethathathnoruleoverhisownspiritislikeacitythatisbrokendown,andwithoutwalls.Proverbs 25:28
Evilmenunderstandnotjudgment:buttheythatseektheLORDunderstandallthings.Proverbs28:5
Asaroaringlion,andarangingbear;soisawickedruleroverthepoorpeople.Proverbs28:15
Whentherighteousareinauthority,thepeoplerejoice:butwhenthewickedbearethrule,thepeople mourn.Proverbs29:2
Thekingbyjudgmentestablisheththeland:buthethatreceivethgiftsoverthrowethit.Proverbs29:4
Ifarulerhearkentolies,allhisservantsarewickedProverbs29:12
Thekingthatfaithfullyjudgeththepoor,histhroneshallbeestablishedforeverProverbs29:14
Manyseektheruler'sfavour;buteveryman'sjudgmentcomethfromtheLORDProverbs29:26
Itisnotforkings,OLemuel,itisnotforkingstodrinkwine;norforprincesstrongdrink:Lestthey drink,andforgetthelaw,andpervertthejudgmentofanyoftheafflictedProverbs31:4-5
Openthymouthforthedumbinthecauseofallsuchasareappointedtodestruction.Openthy mouth,judgerighteously,andpleadthecauseofthepoorandneedyProverbs31:8-9
AndmoreoverIsawunderthesuntheplaceofjudgment,thatwickednesswasthere;andtheplaceof righteousness,thatiniquitywasthere.Isaidinmineheart,Godshalljudgetherighteousandthe wicked:forthereisatimethereforeverypurposeandforeverywork.Ecclesiastes3:16-17
Ifthouseesttheoppressionofthepoor,andviolentpervertingofjudgmentandjusticeinaprovince, marvelnotatthematter:forhethatishigherthanthehighestregardeth;andtherebehigherthan they.Ecclesiastes5:8
Whosokeepeththecommandmentshallfeelnoevilthing:andawiseman'sheartdiscernethboth timeandjudgment.Becausetoeverypurposethereistimeandjudgment,thereforethemiseryof manisgreatuponhimEcclesiastes8:5-6
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
Prophets
Learntodowell;seekjudgment,relievetheoppressed,judgethefatherless,pleadforthewidow. Isaiah1:17
Foruntousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven:andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder: andhisnameshallbecalledWonderful,Counsellor,ThemightyGod,TheeverlastingFather,The PrinceofPeace.Oftheincreaseofhisgovernmentandpeacethereshallbenoend,uponthethrone ofDavid,anduponhiskingdom,toorderit,andtoestablishitwithjudgmentandwithjusticefrom henceforthevenforeverThezealoftheLORDofhostswillperformthisIsaiah9:6-7
Woeuntothemthatdecreeunrighteousdecrees,andthatwritegrievousnesswhichtheyhave prescribed;Toturnasidetheneedyfromjudgment,andtotakeawaytherightfromthepoorofmy people,thatwidowsmaybetheirprey,andthattheymayrobthefatherless!Isaiah10:1-2
Andinmercyshallthethronebeestablished:andheshallsituponitintruthinthetabernacleof David,judging,andseekingjudgment,andhastingrighteousnessIsaiah16:5
Behold,akingshallreigninrighteousness,andprincesshallruleinjudgment.Isaiah32:1
ThussaiththeLORD,Keepyejudgment,anddojustice:formysalvationisneartocome,andmy righteousnesstoberevealedIsaiah56:1
Andthoushaltswear,TheLORDliveth,intruth,injudgment,andinrighteousness;andthenations shallblessthemselvesinhim,andinhimshalltheygloryJeremiah4:2
Butlethimthatgloriethgloryinthis,thatheunderstandethandknowethme,thatIamtheLORD whichexerciselovingkindness,judgment,andrighteousness,intheearth:forinthesethingsIdelight, saiththeLORD.Jeremiah9:24
OhouseofDavid,thussaiththeLORD;Executejudgmentinthemorning,anddeliverhimthatis spoiledoutofthehandoftheoppressor,lestmyfurygooutlikefire,andburnthatnonecanquench it,becauseoftheevilofyourdoingsJeremiah21:12
ThussaiththeLORD;Executeyejudgmentandrighteousness,anddeliverthespoiledoutofthe handoftheoppressor:anddonowrong,donoviolencetothestranger,thefatherless,northewidow, neithershedinnocentbloodinthisplaceJeremiah22:3
Behold,thedayscome,saiththeLORD,thatIwillraiseuntoDavidarighteousBranch,andaKing shallreignandprosper,andshallexecutejudgmentandjusticeintheearthJeremiah23:5
Inthosedays,andatthattime,willIcausetheBranchofrighteousnesstogrowupuntoDavid;and heshallexecutejudgmentandrighteousnessinthelandJeremiah33:15
Hethathathnotgivenforthuponusury,neitherhathtakenanyincrease,thathathwithdrawnhis handfrominiquity,hathexecutedtruejudgmentbetweenmanandman,Hathwalkedinmystatutes, andhathkeptmyjudgments,todealtruly;heisjust,heshallsurelylive,saiththeLordGOD. Ezekiel18:8-9
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
ThussaiththeLordGOD;Letitsufficeyou,OprincesofIsrael:removeviolenceandspoil,and executejudgmentandjustice,takeawayyourexactionsfrommypeople,saiththeLordGOD Ezekiel45:9
Wherefore,Oking,letmycounselbeacceptableuntothee,andbreakoffthysinsbyrighteousness, andthineiniquitiesbyshewingmercytothepoor;ifitmaybealengtheningofthytranquillity.Now INebuchadnezzarpraiseandextolandhonourtheKingofheaven,allwhoseworksaretruth,andhis waysjudgment:andthosethatwalkinprideheisabletoabaseDaniel4:27,37
ThenkingDariuswroteuntoallpeople,nations,andlanguages,thatdwellinalltheearth;Peacebe multiplieduntoyou.Imakeadecree,Thatineverydominionofmykingdommentrembleandfear beforetheGodofDaniel:forheisthelivingGod,andstedfastforever,andhiskingdomthatwhich shallnotbedestroyed,andhisdominionshallbeevenuntotheendHedeliverethandrescueth,and heworkethsignsandwondersinheavenandinearth,whohathdeliveredDanielfromthepowerof thelionsDaniel6:25-27
ThereforeturnthoutothyGod:keepmercyandjudgment,andwaitonthyGodcontinually.Hosea 12:6
Hatetheevil,andlovethegood,andestablishjudgmentinthegate:itmaybethattheLORDGodof hostswillbegraciousuntotheremnantofJoseph.Butletjudgmentrundownaswaters,and righteousnessasamightystream.Amos5:15,24
ThusspeakeththeLORDofhosts,saying,Executetruejudgment,andshewmercyandcompassions everymantohisbrother:Andoppressnotthewidow,northefatherless,thestranger,northepoor; andletnoneofyouimagineevilagainsthisbrotherinyourheartZechariah7:9-10
Thesearethethingsthatyeshalldo;Speakyeeverymanthetruthtohisneighbour;executethe judgmentoftruthandpeaceinyourgates:Andletnoneofyouimagineevilinyourheartsagainst hisneighbour;andlovenofalseoath:forallthesearethingsthatIhate,saiththeLORDZechariah 8:16-17
Gospels
ButJesussaid,Sufferlittlechildren,andforbidthemnot,tocomeuntome:forofsuchisthe kingdomofheaven.Matthew19:14
Whothenisafaithfulandwiseservant,whomhislordhathmaderuleroverhishousehold,togive themmeatindueseason?VerilyIsayuntoyou,Thatheshallmakehimruleroverallhisgoods. Matthew24:45,47
Hislordsaiduntohim,Welldone,thougoodandfaithfulservant:thouhastbeenfaithfuloverafew things,Iwillmaketheerulerovermanythings:enterthouintothejoyofthylordHislordsaidunto him,Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant;thouhastbeenfaithfuloverafewthings,Iwillmakethee rulerovermanythings:enterthouintothejoyofthylordMatthew25:21,23
ButJesuscalledthemtohim,andsaithuntothem,Yeknowthattheywhichareaccountedtorule overtheGentilesexerciselordshipoverthem;andtheirgreatonesexerciseauthorityuponthemBut
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
soshallitnotbeamongyou:butwhosoeverwillbegreatamongyou,shallbeyourminister:And whosoeverofyouwillbethechiefest,shallbeservantofall.ForeventheSonofmancamenottobe ministeredunto,buttominister,andtogivehislifearansomformanyMark10:42-45
Judgenotaccordingtotheappearance,butjudgerighteousjudgment.Dothourlawjudgeanyman, beforeithearhim,andknowwhathedoeth?John7:24,51
Epistles
Orhethatexhorteth,onexhortation:hethatgiveth,lethimdoitwithsimplicity;hethatruleth,with diligence;hethatshewethmercy,withcheerfulnessRomans12:8
LeteverysoulbesubjectuntothehigherpowersForthereisnopowerbutofGod:thepowersthat beareordainedofGod.Whosoeverthereforeresisteththepower,resisteththeordinanceofGod:and theythatresistshallreceivetothemselvesdamnationForrulersarenotaterrortogoodworks,but totheevilWiltthouthennotbeafraidofthepower?dothatwhichisgood,andthoushalthave praiseofthesame:ForheistheministerofGodtotheeforgood.Butifthoudothatwhichisevil,be afraid;forhebearethnottheswordinvain:forheistheministerofGod,arevengertoexecutewrath uponhimthatdoethevil.Romans13:1-4
SubmityourselvestoeveryordinanceofmanfortheLord'ssake:whetheritbetotheking,as supreme;Oruntogovernors,asuntothemthataresentbyhimforthepunishmentofevildoers,and forthepraiseofthemthatdowell1Peter2:13-14
Apocrypha
TheLordraisedupthespiritofCyrusthekingofthePersians,andhemadeproclamationthroughall hiskingdom,andalsobywriting,Saying,ThussaithCyruskingofthePersians;TheLordofIsrael, themosthighLord,hathmademekingofthewholeworld,Andcommandedmetobuildhiman houseatJerusaleminJewry1Esdras2:2-4
AndalsohecommandedthatSisinnesthegovernorofSyriaandPhenice,andSathrabuzanes,and theircompanions,andthosewhichwereappointedrulersinSyriaandPhenice,shouldbecarefulnot tomeddlewiththeplace,butsufferZorobabel,theservantoftheLord,andgovernorofJudea,and theeldersoftheJews,tobuildthehouseoftheLordinthatplace.1Esras6:27
ForEsdrashadverygreatskill,sothatheomittednothingofthelawandcommandmentsoftheLord, buttaughtallIsraeltheordinancesandjudgments1Esdras8:7
SoshallallnationspraisetheLord,andhispeopleshallconfessGod,andtheLordshallexalthis people;andallthosewhichlovetheLordGodintruthandjusticeshallrejoice,shewingmercytoour brethren.Tobit14:7
AfterthatIbecamelordovermanynationsandhaddominionoverthewholeworld,notliftedup withpresumptionofmyauthority,butcarryingmyselfalwayswithequityandmildness,Ipurposed tosettlemysubjectscontinuallyinaquietlife,andmakingmykingdompeaceable,andopenfor passagetotheutmostcoasts,torenewpeace,whichisdesiredofallmen.AdditionstoEsther13:2
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12
Heartherefore,Oyekings,andunderstand;learn,yethatbejudgesoftheendsoftheearthGiveear, yethatrulethepeople,andgloryinthemultitudeofnations.ForpowerisgivenyouoftheLord,and sovereigntyfromtheHighest,whoshalltryyourworks,andsearchoutyourcounselsWisdomof Solomon6:1-3
ThereforethedesireofwisdombringethtoakingdomIfyourdelightbetheninthronesandsceptres, Oyekingsofthepeople,honourwisdom,thatyemayreignforevermore.WisdomofSolomon 6:20-21
Ifrichesbeapossessiontobedesiredinthislife;whatisricherthanwisdom,thatworkethallthings? Andifprudencework;whoofallthatareisamorecunningworkmanthanshe?Andifamanlove righteousnessherlaboursarevirtues:forsheteachethtemperanceandprudence,justiceandfortitude: whicharesuchthings,asmencanhavenothingmoreprofitableintheirlife.WisdomofSolomon 8:5-7
Deliverhimthatsufferethwrongfromthehandoftheoppressor;andbenotfaintheartedwhenthou sittestinjudgment.Sirach4:9
Forthehandoftheartificertheworkshallbecommended:andthewiserulerofthepeopleforhis speech.Sirach9:17
Awisejudgewillinstructhispeople;andthegovernmentofaprudentmaniswellordered.Asthe judgeofthepeopleishimself,soarehisofficers;andwhatmannerofmantherulerofthecityis, sucharealltheythatdwellthereinAnunwisekingdestroyethhispeople;butthroughtheprudence ofthemwhichareinauthoritythecityshallbeinhabited.Sirach10:1-3
ThefearoftheLordgoethbeforetheobtainingofauthority:butroughnessandprideisthelosing thereof.Greatmen,andjudges,andpotentates,shallbehonoured;yetistherenoneofthemgreater thanhethatfeareththeLordSirach10:21,24
Forinthedivisionofthenationsofthewholeearthhesetarulerovereverypeople;butIsraelisthe Lord'sportion:Sirach17:17
TheythatfeartheLordshallfindjudgment,andshallkindlejusticeasalightSirach32:16
Hegaveuntohimhiscommandments,andauthorityinthestatutesofjudgments,thatheshould teachJacobthetestimonies,andinformIsraelinhislawsSirach45:17
Davidforbeingmercifulpossessedthethroneofaneverlastingkingdom1Maccabees2:57
ThepeoplethereforesangtheactsofSimon,anduntowhatgloryhethoughttobringhisnation, madehimtheirgovernorandchiefpriest,becausehehaddoneallthesethings,andforthejustice andfaithwhichhekepttohisnation,andforthathesoughtbyallmeanstoexalthispeople.1 Maccabees14:35
BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLord;andthepeoplewhomhehathchosenforhisowninheritancePsalm33:12