| (Copyright) by David Antion (Pasadena, California) |
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| In the justice system of ancient Israel, the court was open to all and each party presented his/her case before the court. The only evidence considered by the court at that time was given by the witnesses. There was no fingerprint identification. No ability to check DNA or the many other advanced ways to gather evidence. In criminal cases, not less than two witnesses were necessary especially when the accused person stood to lose his/her life. See Deuteronomy 19:15; Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:2-6. Jesus and the apostle Paul also recognized the validity of this law and they quoted it several times: Check Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28. Any country, group, church, or organization that violates the principles of this law will reap the awful consequences! Because the witness system was so important, God gave one of the great Ten Commandments to keep it pure: Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (NAU). This is foundational to a true justice system and done to ensure that the average citizen would take seriously his/her place in that system. Another ordinance was instituted to ensure that people took their testimony seriously. If a person bears a false witness, and it is shown that he/she did, then that person will bear the punishment that they had hoped to inflict on their victim. See Deuteronomy 19:15-20. Because justice depended upon fundamental honesty, one of the ways to pervert justice was to acquire the testimony of false witnesses. This was the case in the unjust slaying of Naboth who lived in Jezreel and had a vineyard close to King Ahab’s palace. Ahab had always admired that land and wanted it for a vegetable garden. He offered to buy it or give Naboth another property similar to it. But, Naboth said it was his family’s inheritance and he would not sell it. Ahab went home sullen and depressed and wouldn’t talk much or eat. His wife Jezebel asked what was wrong and he told her about his conversation and offer to Naboth. She said, “Don’t you reign over Israel?” She said you will have that land. She wrote to the city leaders and told them to have a banquet and to put worthless men (sons of Belial) close to Naboth and they were to testify that Naboth cursed God and the king. With two witnesses they wasted no time putting Naboth to death. Once Naboth was dead, King Ahab took possession of his vineyard. Horrendous injustice angered the Eternal and He sent Elijah with a dire message. It was that Ahab’s blood would be licked up by dogs in the same place Naboth died. Furthermore, Jezebel’s body will be eaten by dogs. And all who came from Ahab died — in the city, their body would be eaten by dogs and in the countryside, their body would be eaten by birds. The greatest disrespect one can do to another is to not properly bury that person and leave the body to wild animals or dogs or birds. This means they (their body) become dog and bird dung! To prevent what Jezebel did to Naboth, repeated warnings and penalties were made to the people becoming a witness or potential false witnesses. See Exodus 23:1-2; Deuteronomy 19:15-20. Again, this was to deter a person from being bribed, persuaded, or induced out of greed, hatred, or prejudice from becoming a false witness. In essence, the justice system of Israel depended on the integrity of the people. It is the same today. If one can bribe a judge, or witnesses, or threaten them and somehow induce them to lie or pervert justice, the justice system breaks down. Even though we have many scientific detectors such as fingerprints, DNA markers, hair, or fiber samples, etc., nothing can replace the integrity of rulers, judges, witnesses, and all who are a part of the justice system. The great 9th commandment looms over all justice: “You shall not bear false witness against you neighbor” or anyone in your community or society. ————————————————————————— Reprinted with permission from: Guardian Ministries http://daveantion.com/ ————————————————————————— |
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