Our Judge
For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King. He will save us. Isaiah 33:22
Just six months after receiving my driver’s license, I had a car accident on my way to school one morning that involved another vehicle. Both the other driver and I were issued a citation requiring us to appear in court. At that point, I had ridden by the courthouse many times, but I had never been inside the courtroom. My parents went with me. Needless to say, I was terrified to stand before the judge. When the time came, they called my name, and we went into the courtroom from the holding room. The judge was wearing his black robe and was very stern. The other driver did not show up, so the citation was thrown out. I did not have to pay a fine or take a driving class, thankfully. But it is a memory that I have to this day!
A judge in the legal system is someone who has practiced law and either been appointed or elected to the position. A judge serves as an impartial, neutral arbitrator ensuring trials are conducted fairly and according to the law. One of their primary roles is determining the outcomes or sentences for legal disputes.
Jehovah Hashopet is a Hebrew name for God that translates to "The Lord our Judge". It highlights God as the ultimate, trustworthy authority who weighs human intentions, settles disputes, and brings righteous justice. Because human judges can be biased or make mistakes, Jehovah Hashopet represents a perfect Judge whose decisions are always fair and rooted in love and holiness. The name appears in Scripture to remind believers of God's sovereign role in both defending the oppressed and holding people accountable.
In the Old Testament, God judged the Israelites based on their obedience and love for Him. If they rebelled against Him by turning to other gods or acting unjustly, they often saw defeat in battle, sometimes ending in capture and exile. If they turned back to HIm and worshiped Him only, they prospered. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed in Isaiah 33:22, “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King. He will save us.” In Judges 11:27, as the Israelites faced the Ammonites, Jephthah appealed to God for ultimate justice, stating, “Let the Lord who is the judge decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.” Ultimately, God brought victory to the Israelites.
In the New Testament, as an act of His love, God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sin so that everyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven and made right with God. Even though we fall short of His perfect standard, God did not leave us without hope. When we leave this earth for eternity, we will all face the judgment seat of Christ where the saved and unsaved will be judged. Those who have accepted and followed Christ will spend eternity in heaven. Those who have not will be sentenced to eternal damnation. We all have a choice to make.
While we will face the final judgment, we may still experience His judgment today. It may look like a gentle correction meant to align us more with Him or discipline to make our character more like His. He sees everything and knows every heart. And He is always fair and without bias.
In a world full of injustice, one day, God will make every wrong right. We have confidence that God sees every act of evil, every hidden hurt, and every faithful act of obedience. Nothing escapes His notice, and His judgment is always perfect.
While God is the perfect Judge, His Word warns us against judging others with a hypocritical, harsh, self-righteous or condemning attitude. Instead, we are called to examine our own hearts first, extend the same grace and mercy that God has shown us, and speak the truth in love.
Call to Action
Why are both God's justice and mercy essential?
How does the cross demonstrate both of these?
How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross change the way you think about standing before God as Judge?
If you know someone who hasn’t followed Christ, what steps can you take so they do not face eternal damnation?
Digging Deeper
Check out these additional verses: Psalm 7:11, Psalm 50:6, Matthew 7:1-5, Acts 17:31, James 4:11-12, Revelation 20:11-12.
Prayer
God, thank You that Your justice is perfect and Your mercy is greater than my sin. Thank You for sending Jesus to take my place so that I can be forgiven and made right with You. Help me to live Your truth, trust in Your justice, and remember that You see every part of my life.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens