2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.… When Alfred made his laws his difficulties were only beginning. He had to depend for their execution on the Ealdermen and Thanes, most of whom were rude, uncultivated warriors, unable even to read the laws they had to administer. Many also were careless and unprincipled, either taking no pains about the matter at all, or favouring the rich against the poor. Alfred accordingly undertook the enormous labour of going over in person and in detail "almost all cases" in the kingdom. When he found, as he did very often, that the judgment given was unjust, he would send for the offending judge, and ask him why he had delivered it, taking great pains to ascertain whether this was done out of greed or partiality, or out of simple ignorance. Probably a judge who was convicted of the former would be suspended or superseded. But more often the perplexed Thane or Ealderman, when hard pressed, would stammer out the candid confession, "An' it please you, my lord king, I did not know any better." Asset has preserved us a specimen of the reproof that would follow, which he calls "discreet and moderate." "I wonder truly at your insolence that, whereas, by God's favour and mine, you have occupied the rank and office of the Wise, you have neglected the studies and labours of the Wise. Either, therefore, at once resign your office or endeavour more zealously to study the lessons of wisdom. Such are my commands." He adds that the judges, almost without exception, chose to learn their duties properly rather than to resign them. (J. Alcock.) Parallel Verses KJV: The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. |
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