Topical Bible: Persia: System of Justice

◄ Persia: System of Justice ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Persian Empire, known for its vast expanse and diverse population, had a complex system of justice that is occasionally referenced in the Bible. The Persian system of governance and law was instrumental in maintaining order across its territories, which stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea. The Persian kings, particularly those of the Achaemenid dynasty, are depicted in the Bible as rulers who exercised significant authority and whose decrees were considered irrevocable.

Royal Decrees and the Law of the Medes and Persians

One of the most notable aspects of the Persian system of justice was the concept of the irrevocable law, often referred to as "the law of the Medes and Persians." This is highlighted in the Book of Daniel, where King Darius is manipulated into signing a decree that ultimately leads to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. The text states, "According to the law of the Medes and Persians, no decree or statute that the king establishes can be changed" (Daniel 6:8). This principle underscored the absolute nature of royal decrees, which could not be altered even by the king himself once enacted.

Justice and Administration

The Persian Empire was divided into satrapies, each governed by a satrap who was responsible for the administration of justice and the collection of taxes. The satraps were accountable to the king and were expected to uphold the laws of the empire. The Book of Esther provides insight into the administrative structure of Persia, where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) is depicted as ruling over 127 provinces from India to Cush (Esther 1:1). The king's edicts were disseminated throughout these provinces, ensuring that his will was executed across the empire.

Influence on Jewish Law and Society

The Persian system of justice had a significant impact on the Jewish people during the period of the Babylonian exile and subsequent return to Jerusalem. The Persian kings, such as Cyrus the Great, are noted for their policies of religious tolerance and support for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. In Ezra 1:2-3 , Cyrus is quoted as saying, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah." This decree not only reflects the king's authority but also his role in facilitating the restoration of Jewish religious practices.

Judicial Fairness and the Role of the King

The Persian kings were often seen as the ultimate arbiters of justice, with the power to grant mercy or enforce punishment. In the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus is portrayed as a ruler who listens to the pleas of his queen, Esther, and ultimately reverses the plot against the Jews orchestrated by Haman. Esther 8:8 records the king's words: "Now you may write in the king’s name whatever pleases you concerning the Jews, and seal it with the king’s signet ring." This demonstrates the king's ability to enact new decrees to ensure justice and protect his subjects.

Conclusion

The Persian system of justice, as depicted in the Bible, reflects a structured and authoritative legal framework that was integral to the administration of one of history's largest empires. The irrevocable nature of Persian law, the administrative role of satraps, and the influence of Persian policies on Jewish society are key elements that illustrate the complexity and reach of Persian justice during biblical times.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 7:25
And you, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach you them that know them not.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jews.
... who, by degrees, reorganized a regular system of government ... eastern Jews settled
in Babylon, Chaldea, Persia, &c ... from motives of policy or justice, have treated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... and its largest river system leads to the ... their conquerors, Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia,
Persia, Greece, and ... on the everlasting foundations of justice and truth ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/iv the place of the.htm

The Best Introduction to this Production Will be the Following ...
... But they said to us, By the justice of Heaven, tell ... the King of Jesus, the power
of Persia dedicated this ... It became the wisdom of Thy system, that Thou shouldst ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/the best introduction to this.htm

The Mediaeval Church in Great Britain and Ireland
... rightly, the wisdom and the justice of the ... aggression, The first, 102 Parochial system,
its late ... 63 """ cease under Constantine, 66 Persia, Church of, 85 ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter xii the mediaeval church.htm

The Social Test of Religion
... fundamental spiritual duties, such as justice, mercy, and ... was struggling to emancipate
itself from the feudal system. ... settle to their work in Turkey or Persia. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ix the social test.htm

The Birth of Cyrus.
... of the party appointed to conduct him, and went to Persia. ... to have received was what
was called learning justice. ... important as a part of the system of youthful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... Those who by a false system of interpretation, or ... forth the inexorable rigor of divine
justice against the ... have originated with Cyrus, king of Persia, and it ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... laugh at the expense of the old system say: See ... east of what we now call Persia,
the dwelling ... by that righteousness"that truthfulness and justice"for which ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/cyrus the servant of-the lord.htm

The Servant of the Lord.
... laugh at the expense of the old system say, See ... east of what we now call Persia,
the dwelling ... by that righteousness"that truthfulness and justice"for which ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iv the servant of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Hormizdas, king of Persia, [401]32. ... Justice towards God, [461]54. ... Mand??ism, relation
of to Manich??ism, and to the old Babylonian religious system, [511]19 sq ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm