So who constituted the Magistrate(s)? The People did. “A magistracy elected by the people, the public officer chosen by the public voice, was another of those great principles, on which Moses founded his civil polity.” Nothing could be more plain than the institution of the Judges by the election of the people, at the suggestion of Jethro and the confirmation of God. Exodus xviii.13-26. Deuteronomy i.12-18. Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. The question, then, becomes, “By what standard did the Israelites elect their magistrates? The men chosen were to be 1.) out of all the people; 2.) able men; 3.) such that fear God; 4.) are truthful; and 5.) who hate covetousness. Exodus, xviii.21. (Read more...)
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