Jehovah-Jashopet is the name of God that means “The Judge.” The adjective “righteous” describes His most important attribute as a judge. In the Bible, the words for righteousness and justice are closely related. The name “Righteous Judge” includes the idea that God judges justly. The Message Bible calls Him the honest Judge, and elsewhere He is also the God of justice. God’s justice will never be swayed by bribes or altered by irrational grudges. God’s righteousness includes punishment of the guilty, but it leaves room for His mercy and forgiveness toward repentant sinners.
In Judges 11:27, the shophetim (judges) were clearly rulers and deliverers, not just dispensers of legal decisions as they are today. When the Bible uses the name “Righteous Judge,” it includes all those meanings. Other names for God mention the different roles of God’s involvement in the justice system: the Lawgiver and judge, or simply our Lawgiver. He also punishes the wicked.
Righteous judge (Shofet tsaddiq) is also found in the Hebrew text of Psalm 7:11.
God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.
Jesus (Yeshua‘) put judgment in perspective. Jesus did not come to earth to judge people; He came to bring salvation. However, there will be a final judgment by the Righteous Judge, and He will base that judgment on how we responded to Jesus’ words.
If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. —John 12:47–48
Friend, do you know Jesus? He came to earth as your savior. He wants to love you, and when you respond to His invitation to join Him in this love relationship, He gives you a life that is better than you ever thought possible. I am praying for you to join me in the family of God. Here’s how:
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave. Jesus cares for you, and He calls you to make a decision for Him today. In fact, because of His everlasting love, He has loved you before you were born. He has a plan for your life. Don’t miss out on the best life-encouragement God has for you! Would you please pray with me this prayer to invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit? (If you have already received Christ at one time in your life but feel you would like to recommit your life and your family to Christ, you can pray this prayer, too!)
Won’t you pray this prayer of commitment today?
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Congratulations! Welcome to the family of God. If you have prayed the prayer to commit your life to Jesus today, please let me know about it. Go to my website and tell me about your decision. I am excited for you! Acts 4:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Let’s pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus (Yeshua‘), to put judgment in perspective. Thank you that Jesus did not come to earth to judge people; thank you that He came to bring salvation so everyone will live with him in heaven forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates by inputting your email address in the box on the right sidebar, or follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
