The prophets in biblical times focused on warning and exhorting God's people to righteousness, predicting events whether they would repent or not, and defend the cause of social justice. Prophets care deeply about social justice because it reflects something deeper, the spiritual and heart condition of people. Yahweh, the God they served, is also a loyal defender of justice who detested injustice, corruption, and the neglect of the destitute. In the inventory of blessings and curses in the Bible, God promises to judge Israel based on their faithfulness to Him and their brotherly treatment of their fellow man. God proclaims himself as the God of hesed, as "And the LORD, the Eternal God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" Exodus 34:6. This statement is in line with His benevolent character, yet Yahweh is not slow in carrying out justice, for “Vengeance is (His), (He) will repay” (Romans 12:19). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The prophets were emphatic about the influence of money in corrupting the rich. The Pentateuch is full of commands to feed the poor, help widows and orphans, and clothe the naked. Several allusions are found in the Bible where God is described as the Just One (Acts 7:52). Even Christ's parables and declarations focus on the theme of God as the righteous Judge and final Dispenser of Justice. God believes in and embodies truth, impartiality, and righteous judgment; therefore, as messengers and representatives of God on earth, the duty of the prophets was to preach and act for social justice. Money-loving prophets are as much an oxymoron as they are an evil saint; yet, whenever the wrath of God was poured out upon that number, it fell fast and hard. Balaam and Gehazi are two such prophets who abused the prophetic gift, commercializing it for profit. Since the love of money is the root of all evil, justice has been perjured and prostituted in their hands. During periods of Jewish apostasy and failure, aside from the neglect of religious observances, social justice is always seriously compromised. Social justice covers not only the legal realm but also the institutions of slavery, trade, work and family. Since the Jews were once an enslaved people, they were to be beacons of justice on the earth and champions of righteousness. Jesus, the prophet of all prophets and the model prophet, in his ministry often denigrates religious rulers who exploited the poor for self-aggrandizement. The message of salvation, the most important theme discussed in the Bible, focuses on how the Savior rightes wrongs and frees humanity from sin (the root of social injustice). Prophets are the messengers of judgment. Before judgment falls, it is up to the prophets to fight the people against social injustice in the hope that they will repent of their ways and turn the tide of evil to fall against the nation. Not only loving and obeying God, but also showing mercy and loving one's neighbor constituted the fulfillment of the law. Justice is inextricably linked to the law, and God's law is unyielding and is the seat of his kingdom (Exodus 25:16). We often hear the Word of God described as the Law and the Prophets. This designation of the word sacred also encompasses the meaning of social justice as it is linked to respect for the law and obedience to the commandments. By abiding by the principles of social justice, Yahweh is satisfied and blessing flows to Israel. The God presents himself as the God.