Biblical Perspectives on State Oppression and Justice

Sarai Hannah Ajai article examines a biblical perspective on state-sanctioned oppression, highlighting the injustice of acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent. It references scriptures that warn against the normalization of evil and emphasize God's justice against corruption. Her article further explores the abuse of authority by state officials who betray their duty by facilitating harm and engaging in illicit activities. Ultimately, it underscores the divine condemnation of those who misuse power and fail to uphold righteousness and fairness.

State-Sanctioned Oppression and the Scope of Authority: A Biblical Perspective

Written By: Sarai Hannah Ajai

Introduction

In a just society, individuals are accountable for their own actions. Yet, we often witness the innocent suffering due to the wrongdoing of others. Governments and their officials, entrusted with maintaining justice, sometimes turn a blind eye or even facilitate oppression. The Bible warns against such injustice and outlines divine principles regarding authority, accountability, and the treatment of the innocent.

The Injustice of Acquitting the Guilty and Condemning the Innocent

Some individuals, despite possessing their own legal identity—whether a U.S. ID, permanent resident card, or green card—engage in deceitful practices that entangle the innocent. Rather than holding these wrongdoers accountable, the state often allows corruption to flourish, harming and impoverishing the blameless. This reality echoes the warning in Proverbs 17:15:

"Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent, the Lord detests them both."

The failure to uphold justice is not merely an administrative flaw; it is a moral failing that contradicts God's divine order.

Calling Good Evil and Evil Good

When injustice is normalized, and deception is rewarded while integrity is punished, society enters a dangerous state of moral decay. Isaiah speaks against such distortion in Isaiah 5:20:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Those who manipulate systems for personal gain and cause undue suffering to the innocent act with hardened hearts, ignoring the divine imperative to uphold righteousness.

God’s Justice Against Corruption

The state has a duty to uphold fairness, yet when governments sanction or ignore oppression, they align themselves with wickedness. Exodus 23:7 reminds us:

“Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.”

Scripture makes it clear that God does not overlook the actions of the wicked, nor does He forsake those who suffer unjustly. Psalm 94:20-21 warns:

“Can a corrupt throne be allied with you, a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.”

The Lord assures that He will rise to defend those who are wrongfully afflicted. Psalm 37:28 declares:

“For the Lord loves justice, and He will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked shall be cut off.”

Thus, while those who engage in deception and injustice may flourish for a time, their actions will not go unnoticed. Proverbs 11:21 assures us:

“Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.”

The Scope of Authority and Its Abuse

State officials are entrusted with authority to execute justice, but when they deviate from their duties, they cease to function as lawful stewards and instead become oppressors. 

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