Yahweh’s Lament on Judges in Isaiah 59: 14 And Its Reflections in Nigerian Judicial System

Abstract

Equity and justice for all and sundry are traits of Yahweh. This study examined Yahweh’s displeasure to injustice perpetrated by the judiciary in the time of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 59: 14 is chosen as a text of investigation to establish how Yahweh expressed his disappointment in those saddled with judicial matters in the discharged of the duties of their office. As a corollary, the study explored how the judiciary in Nigeria have been appointed by God to dispense justice and the need to for them to be fair to all and sundry. African Biblical Hermeneutics which provides that biblical text be read in African Context so that the Bible can be relevant in African situations and times was used. The study revealed that Judges in ancient Israel and Nigeria are divinely appointed. Judges have betrayed the confidence repose in them by Yahweh and the Nigerian People. They compromised justice and this led to anarchy, rebellion and these have brought the noble profession to disrepute. As there were corrupt judges in ancient Israel, the same is applicable to Nigeria. Judges in both contexts pervert justices, take bribes, oppress the poor and show no respect or regard to the rule of law.Judges in Nigeria are to make justice and equity their watchword at all times. It is only with this that we can build a strong and virile nation.