The podcast explores the biblical concept of justice and the original meaning of the words 'justice' and 'righteousness' in the Old Testament. It discusses different perspectives of justice, including maximizing welfare, respecting individual freedom, and promoting virtue. The hosts also delve into the biblical vision of justice and the importance of protecting the vulnerable in society. They examine the story of the Hebrew Exodus and its influence on images of justice in the Bible.
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Quick takeaways
The biblical vision of justice includes both retributive justice, where wrongs are righted in a court of law, and restorative justice, which involves creating a just society that cares for the vulnerable and ensures the rights of all are protected.
The biblical understanding of justice calls for actively advocating, protecting, and providing for the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups such as widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor, aiming to create a community that reflects God's character and upholds the rights of all its members.
Deep dives
Understanding the Meaning of 'Mishpat'
The concept of justice in the Bible is often expressed through the Hebrew word 'mishpat'. Mishpat can refer to both retributive justice, where wrongs are righted in a court of law, and restorative justice, which involves creating a just society that cares for the vulnerable and ensures the rights of all are protected. The biblical definition of justice encompasses both these aspects and is rooted in the story of the Exodus, where God rescued the oppressed Israelites and established their rights as His people.
The Quartet of the Vulnerable
The Bible highlights four groups of vulnerable people who are in need of justice and mercy: the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, and the poor. These individuals often fall through the cracks of society and require the support and care of the community. The biblical vision of justice calls for advocating, protecting, and providing for the rights and well-being of these vulnerable groups.
Restorative Justice and Mishpat in Action
Restorative justice, as seen in the Bible, goes beyond mere charity or acts of mercy. It involves actively creating a just society where everyone's problems are shared and addressed. Examples of restorative justice in the Bible include laws that protect the rights of the vulnerable, such as gleaning laws that provide for widows and orphans, and the Levites' right to a portion of the people's income. Through these practices, the biblical vision of justice aims to create a community that reflects God's character and upholds the rights and well-being of all its members.
The Biblical Call for Mishpat and Mercy
The biblical understanding of justice, rooted in the Exodus story, calls for a holistic approach that combines mishpat (justice) with mercy and humility. It is about more than just punishing wrongdoers or providing charity to the needy. It involves actively pursuing justice, protecting the rights of the vulnerable, and creating a society that reflects God's character of compassion, fairness, and love. By doing so, individuals and communities participate in the restoration and righteousness of God's kingdom.
This is our first episode in our new series on the theme of Justice in the Bible. When most of us hear the term "justice" we think of courtrooms, judges and cops. Some of us might think of biblical justice as “God’s Judgement”.
What did the Hebrews believe justice looked like? And what was the biblical vision for a “just society?”
In the first part of the conversation (0-22:50) Tim outlines where the words “Justice” and “Righteousness” come from in the Bible and what they meant in their original context. The guys speculate about why every person seems to have an ingrained idea of “fairness”.
Tim shares three common perspectives of Justice from a Harvard professor (Brian Sandel) book Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
Justice is Maximizing Welfare
Justice is Respect of Individual Freedom
Justice is Promoting Virtue
In the second part of the show (22:51-44:45)
Tim outlines the famous verse in Micah “do justice, love mercy” and what that verse originally meant to Hebrews. The guys talk about the differences between retributive justice and restorative justice.
Tim shares the prophets ideas of the quartet of the vulnerable: widows, orphans, immigrants, the poor.
Finally, (44:50-end) the guys discuss the story of the Hebrew Exodus, and how that story framed many images in the Bible about justice.
Thank you to all our supporters!
You can learn more about the bible project on our website: https://thebibleproject.com/
Resources:
Books:
Annie Dillard: Pilgrim At Tinker Creek
Michael Sandel: Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do?
Show Music:
Defender Instrumental: Rosasharn Music
Flooded Meadows: Unwritten Stories
You Can Save Me: Beautiful Eulogy
Exile Dial Tone: Beautiful Eulogy
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