Righteous Leaders
Dear DJAN Friends,
Since we are in yet another election year–seeking to determine the persons who can best lead city, state, and nation–it may be useful to see what scripture has to say about the characteristics of a leader. The primary leader in the ancient world was the king, and Psalm 72 is the most succinct description of what God, and the people, expected of a king.
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. . . .
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight
(Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14).
This is not an endorsement of particular candidates because there are legitimate debates about how to promote justice. We should keep in mind that Israel's kings exercised leadership in ways very different from modern politics. And it goes without saying that we now affirm the leadership of women! The central message of this psalm, however, is typical of scripture and appropriate for any age: Those with authority are to protect society's most vulnerable members from oppression and violence. The prophet Isaiah says the same thing in memorable, metaphorical language: "a bruised reed he [or she] will not break and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice" (Isaiah 42:3). It is also worth noting that the failure of Israel's kings to live up to their calling is interpreted in the Bible as one reason for Israel's periodic deterioration and defeat.
May God grant us understanding and commitment.