You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. Deuteronomy 1:17

But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:9

The first chapter of Deuteronomy starts with a summary of the travels so far of the Israelites. Along the way,  Moses appoints leaders for the people he has led. It is too much for one person, so more leaders are needed. One group of leaders appointed are the judges. In verse 16 we read: “At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.” The emphasis is on impartiality, no matter if the people at odds are in or out of the main group.

No one is treated differently under God’s law. God gave the law to Moses, to in turn instruct the people about the law which applies to everyone. Thus, the judges that hear and rule on disputes must treat everyone the same. This even includes foreign residents within their midst. Just as our justice system today should function, as shown by Lady Justice and her balanced scales. She is often depicted with a blindfold, to show that the appearance of a person, their wealth, power, or status does not matter. Of course, in reality, there are differences in what a poor or rich person can afford to defend them in court.

The first part of James, chapter 2, has a headline of Show no Favoritism. This means rich and poor are to be treated alike. A well-dressed person and a poorly dressed person should both be offered seating in a meeting. Not the rich person getting a chair and the poorly dressed one left to stand in the back. This applies to all of us, not just those who are actually judges. God made all of us, called it good, and loves each and every person on earth.

God of justice, so often we take it upon ourselves to judge others by appearances, social status, or petty grievances. Help us to remember that, as your servants, our task is to love, forgive, console, and understand. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party