Jehovah Hates Injustice

Jehovah is not oblivious to injustice. He sees what is going on. Regarding Noah's day, the Bible tells us: "Jehovah saw that the badness of man was abundant in the earth and every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time." (Genesis 6:5) Consider the implications of the statement. Often, our perception of injustice is based on a few incidents that we have either heard about or personally encountered. In contrast, Jehovah is aware of injustice on a global scale. He sees it all! More than that, he can discern the inclinations of the heart-the debased thinking behind unjust acts. -Jeremiah 17:10.

But Jehovah does more than simply take note of injustice. He also cares about those who have been victimized by it. When his people were cruelly treated by enemy nations, Jehovah was distressed "over their groaning because of their oppressors and those who were shoving them around." (Judges 2:18) Perhaps you have observed that the more some people see injustice, the more they become calloused to it. Not so with Jehovah! He has seen injustice at its entire scope for some 6,000 years, yet he has not wavered in his hatred for it. Rather, the Bible assures us that such things as "a false tongue," "hands that are shedding innocent blood," and "a false witness that launches forth lies" are detestable to him. -Proverbs 6:16-19.

Consider too, Jehovah's strong criticism of the unjust leaders in Israel. "Is it not your business to know justice?" He inspired his prophet to ask them. After describing in graphic terms thier abuse of power, Jehovah foretold the outcome for these corrupt men: "They will call to Jehovah for aid, but he will not answer them. And he will conceal his face from them in that time, according as they committed badness in their dealings." (Micah 3:1-4) What an aversion Jehovah has to injustice! Why, he himself has experienced it firsthand! For thousand of years, Satan has been unjustly taunting him. (Proverbs 27:11) Furthermore, Jehovah was touched by the most horrendous act of unjustice when His Son,. who committed no sin, was executed as a criminal. (1 Peter 2:22; Isaiah 53:9) Clearly, Jehovah is neither oblivious of nor indifferent of the plight of those who suffer injustice.

Yet, when we observe injustice-or when we ourselves become victims of unfair treatment-it is only natural for us to react strongly. We are made in God's image, and injustice is diametrically opposed to all that Jehovah stands for. (Genesis 1:27) Why, then, does God allow injustice?

Next time: The Issue Of God's Sovereignty

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002