The wise ruler will “defend the cause of the poor and needy” and avoid “dishonest gain, shedding innocent blood, and oppression and extortion” (Jeremiah. 22:16-17). Kings rise and fall, and they are subject to the word of God (Jeremiah 1:10, 18-19).

Scripture is not silent on proper goals and conduct for leaders, addressing this area of ethics as few sources do. The prophets were keenly sensitive to the abuse of power by political leaders. The prophetical books warn rulers not to make unjust laws, issue oppressive decrees, deprive the poor of their rights, withhold justice, or rob the fatherless (Is. 10:1-2). Instead, they are to rule in conformity to Messiah’s rule; they are to judge not by appearances (Is. 11:3) but by righteousness (Is. 11:4-5). An enduring ruler will be characterized by love for the people, faithfulness, justice, and righteousness (Is. 16:5). As early as Isaiah’s time, it was recognized that “a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice” (Is. 32:1).

The Messiah typifies the moral virtues necessary for leadership. He is characterized by justice, mercy, faithfulness (Is. 42:1-4), and “will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope” (Is. 42:4). God’s law and justice is to “become a light to the nations” (Is. 51:4), and the frequent command for rulers (and others) is: “Maintain justice and do what is right” (Is. 56:1). The royal leaders in Jeremiah’s time were charged: “Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire” (Jer. 21:12). While evil kings were judged by God, the righteous king and his officials were to rescue the victim of robbery, treat the alien and fatherless fairly, not shed innocent blood, and obey the commands of God (Jer. 22:2-5). Public standards of righteousness were recognized throughout the OT. Citizens were not to defile their neighbor’s wife, oppress the poor, rob, steal, or lend at an excessive interest rate (Ez. 18:11-13, 15-17).

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