Leviticus 19:16

"“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness."

Key Reflection

In Leviticus 19:16, the Israelites were instructed to approach justice impartially, rejecting the common practice of favoring influential individuals over the poor. This command was a significant departure from societal norms where social status often influenced legal outcomes. The original audience would have understood this as a radical call for fairness and equality before God, reflecting His own character of righteousness in judgment.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Stand against the blood of thy neighbor -Either, to put his life in danger by standing up as his accuser (compareMatthew 26:60); or, to stand by idly when thy neighbor’s life is in danger. Whichever interpretation we adopt, the clause prohibits that which might interfere with the course of justice.

More from Leviticus 19

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