II. Laws of Government

“In a theocracy, there is a minimum of legislative or administrative function.  The ruler is God, and it is he who determines the nation’s laws, as well as the people’s direction — politically, militarily, and economically.

It is of great interest that God should anticipate the people’s desire for a king in future years and actually provide certain guidelines at this early time.”

A. Concerning a King

SELECTION OF KING   Deuteronomy 17:14,15

RESTRICTIONS ON KING   Deuteronomy 17:16,17

KING TO SERVE UNDER LAW   Deuteronomy 17:18-20

B. Respect for Rulers

“Whether it be a future king or a present leader at any lesser level, the people are to show proper respect for God’s chosen representatives.”

ATTITUDE TOWARDS RULERS   Exodus 22:28b

C. The Judicial System

“A nation of laws must have courts, judges, and established rules of procedure.  As the nation moves toward a more stabilized government God provides for a more formal judicial structure.”

1. Establishment of Courts

APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES   Deuteronomy 16:18

COURTS OF APPEALS   Deuteronomy 17:8,9

CONTEMPT OF COURT   Deuteronomy 17:10-13

(LEADERS AS JUDGES)   Deuteronomy 1:9-18

2. Fairness and Justice

BRIBES   Exodus 23:8

PARTIALITY   Exodus 23:3,6/Leviticus 19:15

JUSTICE FOR DISADVANTAGED   Deuteronomy 24:17,18

IMPORTANCE OF JUSTICE   Deuteronomy 16:19,20

3. Witnesses

“The truthfulness of those who would testify against others is so central to honesty and justice that it is required as one of the ten basic commandments.”

PERJURY PROHIBITED   Deuteronomy 5:20

FAIR TESTIMONY   Exodus 23:1,2

FALSE CHARGES   Exodus 23:7

PENALTY FOR FALSE CHARGES   Deuteronomy 19:16-21

NUMBER OF WITNESSES   Deuteronomy 19:15

4. Punishment

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY   Deuteronomy 24:16

LIMIT TO BEATINGS   Deuteronomy 25:1-3

BURYING HANGED CRIMINAL   Deuteronomy 21:22, 23

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.