Returning to the ills of injustice, Solomon explains that part of the reason for injustice is bureaucracy.
Solomon revisits the topic of oppression that he introduced in Chapter 4. People inherently desire justice. God planted justice within our hearts. But Solomon tells us not to be shocked when we see the oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness. Solomon gives the reason why we should not marvel when we see injustice—because one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.
Why would having layers of authority lead to injustice? There are several possibilities. Every layer of authority creates an opportunity for corruption. While in theory each layer ought to provide accountability, often the practicality is those within the governing bureaucracy have more to gain by protecting fellow bureaucrats than they stand to gain by “whistle-blowing.”
Multi-level bureaucracies also tend to favor those with the resources to hire experts to help them navigate the bureaucracy. That means the wealthy get justice and the poor are out of luck. They get oppression. The multi-level bureaucracy also tends to become its own eco-system, with the focus on caring for those within the bureaucracy. Bureaucracies generally only excel at one thing, and that is self-preservation. They are not normally good at benefitting anyone outside the bureaucracy.
The denial of justice and righteousness by a multi-layer bureaucracy could be a result of corruption. It could also be due to structural indifference or incompetence. Each person might be responding to the incentives they are given, with the result that the poor are oppressed and justice is denied.
Biblical Text:
8 If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Romans 15:7-11 meaning
Christ made us acceptable in the presence of God, though we did not deserve it. In light of this, we should accept one another as...... -
The Kingdom of Heaven vs the Kingdom of God meaning
As you read through the different Gospel accounts, you may notice a few common phrases Jesus uses when speaking and teaching. Perhaps the most memorable...... -
Numbers 4:1-15 meaning
The LORD commanded Moses to take another census of the family of Kohath, of the tribe of Levi, in verses 1-20. This census counted how...... -
Genesis 15:5-6 meaning
Abram believed God’s promise and because of his faith, God counted him righteous. ...... -
Romans 1:18-21 meaning
Those who live unrighteous lives, whether believers or nonbelievers, will experience the wrath of God. The wrath of God here is God giving us over......
