Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "sheriff" as understood in modern times does not appear directly in the text. However, the concept of law enforcement and local governance can be seen throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the roles of judges, elders, and other appointed officials who were responsible for maintaining order and justice within the community.
Biblical Context and GovernanceThe ancient Israelites had a system of governance that included various officials who performed duties similar to those of modern-day sheriffs. These roles were essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that the community adhered to the statutes given by God. The Book of Deuteronomy outlines the appointment of judges and officials: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly" (
Deuteronomy 16:18). These judges and officials were tasked with upholding justice and righteousness, reflecting the divine order established by God.
Judges and EldersThe role of judges in Israel was crucial for the administration of justice. The Book of Judges details the lives of several leaders who were raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to guide them in righteousness. These judges acted as both military leaders and arbiters of disputes, ensuring that the laws of God were followed.
Elders also played a significant role in local governance. They were respected members of the community who provided counsel and made decisions on legal matters. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the town gate to meet with the elders to resolve a legal matter concerning land and marriage (
Ruth 4:1-11). This illustrates the elders' role in legal proceedings and community leadership.
Kings and Their OfficialsDuring the monarchy, kings of Israel and Judah appointed officials to assist in governance. These officials, akin to modern-day sheriffs, were responsible for various administrative and judicial functions. King David, for example, appointed officials to oversee different aspects of his kingdom, ensuring that justice and order were maintained (
2 Samuel 8:15-18).
Roman Influence and New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Roman Empire's influence introduced a different system of governance. Roman officials, such as centurions and governors, were responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws. While not directly equivalent to sheriffs, these officials played a similar role in upholding the law. The Apostle Paul, for instance, interacted with Roman officials during his ministry, as seen in
Acts 23:23-24, where Roman soldiers are ordered to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix.
ConclusionWhile the specific title of "sheriff" is not found in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a framework for understanding the roles and responsibilities of those tasked with maintaining law and order. From the judges and elders of ancient Israel to the officials of the Roman Empire, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of governance that emphasizes justice, righteousness, and adherence to God's commandments.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(
Dan. 3:2), Babylonian officers.
Library
Non-Resistants.
... as the inhabitant of a town, county, state, or nation; hence he cannot delegate
any such right to others, called legislators, magistrates, judges,sheriffs, &c...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... Sin, then, becomes first a net to hold the sinner by the force of custom and habit,
and afterwards, asheriffs officer to arrest him, and to scourge him with...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... Sin then, becomes first a net to hold the sinner by the force of custom and habit,
and afterwards asheriffs officer to arrest him and to scourge him with its...
Dedication
... To those most honourable and Prudent Gentlemen, the Burgomaster, Aldermen, andSheriffs,
who are the very Worthy Magistrates of the Famous City of Leyden, and...
The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... him, commanding all to give him no reset or supply, nor furnish him with meat, drink,
house, harbour or any thing useful to him; requiring allsheriffs &c....
An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... And thesheriffs with their brooches; I have a lively recollection of the enormous
size to which those ornaments attain; and they take care to wear them too....
Disestablishment
... of the lower courts, justices of the peace, were still to be appointed annually
by the legislature, and to it the appointment of thesheriffs was transferred....
Baptismal Regeneration
... Oursheriffs have much to answer for when they officiate at the execution of the
children of God, and suspend the members of Christ on the gallows!...
An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... For "Nebuchadnezzar," it says, "sent to gather together the princes, the governors,
and the captains, the judges, thesheriffs, and all the rulers of the...
The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
... August 22, 1138), and probably not long before this visit of Malachy, he had been
reconciled after a long estrangement (Agnew, HereditarySheriffs of Galloway...
Thesaurus
Sheriffs (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Dan. 3:2), Babylonian officers. Multi-Version Concordance
Sheriffs (2 Occurrences). Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar
...Treasurers (5 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the
governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, thesheriffs, and all...
Deputies (14 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the
governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, thesheriffs, and all...
Magistrates (18 Occurrences)
... the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the
honourable judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, thesheriffs, and all the...
Provincial (7 Occurrences)
... the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the
honourable judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, thesheriffs, and all the...
Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the
judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, thesheriffs, and all the rulers of...
Counsellors (21 Occurrences)
... the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the
judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, thesheriffs, and all the rulers of...
Counselors (21 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the
governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, thesheriffs, and all...
Advisers (22 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the
governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, thesheriffs, and all...
Satraps (12 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the
governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, thesheriffs, and all...
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