The Judges Task (18)

Judges will deal with cases that are brought before them. There are four aspects to their work.

1. The judges will thoroughly investigate the case collecting all the information that is relevant.

The judges must make a thorough investigation (Deut 19:18).

If necessary they will vist the scene of the crime and make observations and measurements (Deut 21:2).

2.The judges will listen to all the relevant witnesses.

A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three itnesses (Deut 19:15).

3. The judges will arrive at a verdict (Ex 18:22)

the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty (Deut 25:1).

Their verdict will acquit those who are innocent and condemn those who are guilty.

4. The judges will decide on a penalty for the guilty person.

they shall pronounce upon you the sentence of judgment (Deut 17:9 NKJV)

They will determine what penalty is required by the scriptures. This is an important aspect of justice. The penalties for crime must be those prescribed by God and not driven by a desire for revenge.