Why God's Justice Is Superior

Concerning Jehovah, it can rightly be said: "All his ways are justice." (Deuteronomy 32:4) None of us can make such a claim about ourselves, for so often our limited perspective clouds our perception of what is right. For example, consider Abraham. He pleaded with Jehovah concerning the destruction of Sodom-despite the rampant wickedness there. He asked Jehovah: "Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18_23-33) Of course, the answer was no. It was only when righteous Lot and his daughters arrived safely at the city of Zoar that Jehovah "made it rain sulphur and fire" upon Sodom. (Genesis 19:22-24) In contrast, Jonah became "hot with anger" when God extended mercy to the people of Nineveh. Since Jonah had already announced their destruction, he would have been content to see them exterminated-regardless of their heartfelt repentance. -Jonah 3:10-4:1.

Jehovah reassured Abraham that His exercise of justice includes not only destroying the wicked but also saving the righteous. On the other hand, Jonah had to learn that Jehovah is merciful. If the wicked change their ways, he is "ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5) Unlike some insecure humans, Jehovah does not administer adverse judgment simply to make a statement about his power, nor does he withhold compassion out of fear that he will be viewed as weak. His way is to show mercy whenever there is a basis for it. -Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:23.

However, Jehovah is not blinded by mere sentiment. When his people became steeped in idolatry, Jehovah firmly declared: "I will judge you according to your ways and bring upon you all your detestable things. And my eye will not feel sorry for you, neither will I feel compassion, for upon you I shall bring your own ways." (Ezekiel 7:3, 4) So when humans are hardened in their course, Jehovah judges accordingly. But his judgment is based on solid evidence. Thus, when a loud "cry of complaint" reached his ears regarding Sodom and Gomorrah, Jehovah stated: "I am quite determined to go down that I may see whether they act altogether according to the outcry over it that has come to me." (Genesis 18:20, 21) How thankful we can be that Jehovah is not like many humans who jump to conclusions before hearing all the facts! Truly, Jehovah is as the Bible depicts him, "A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice." -Deuteronomy 32:4.

Next time: Have Confidence In Jehovah's Justice

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002