Was God's Law to Israel Just and Fair?

THE PEOPLE WHO BENEFITED FROM TRUE JUSTICE

To the Israelites, Moses posed this question:  "What great nation has righteous regulations and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?"  (Deuteronomy 4:8)  Indeed, no other nation enjoyed those benefits. under the reign of King Solomon, who in his youth sought to carry out Jehovah's laws, the people "lived in security" and enjoyed peace and prosperity,  "eating and drinking and rejoicing." -1 Kings 4:20, 25.  

Regrettably, the Israelites eventually turned their backs on their God. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God declared:  "Look! They have rejected the word of  Jehovah, and what wisdom do they have?"  (Jeremiah 8:9)   The result was that Jerusalem became "the blood-guilty  city" full of "detestable things."  Finally it was brought to ruin and lay desolate for 70 years. -Ezekiel 22:2; Jeremiah 25:11. 

The prophet Isaiah lived through troublesome times in Israel's history. Looking back, he was moved to declare a great truth about Jehovah God and His Law:  "When there are judgments from you for the earth, the inhabitants of the land learn about righteousness." -Isaiah 26:9. 

To his delight, Isaiah was inspired to prophesy about the rule of the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, saying:  "He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear. He will judge the lowly with fairness, and with uprightness he will give reproof  in behalf of the meek ones of the earth."  (Isaiah 11:3, 4) What wonderful prospects for all who become subjects of the Messianic King under God's Kingdom! - Matthew 6:10.

Next time: Did God's Law Authorize Revenge?  

From the jw.org publications