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Restoring Biblical Governance

  • Writer: Mark S. Railey
    Mark S. Railey
  • Apr 7
  • 4 min read

A vision for national restoration calls for restructuring government, strengthening families, and protecting religious freedom. These efforts reflect principles found in the Torah, though some policies present challenges to common interpretations of biblical justice. Those who pursue Torah in Yeshua should engage thoughtfully, supporting righteous governance while addressing concerns with wisdom.




Biblical Foundations for a Just Society

1. Righteous Governance and Limited Authority The Torah emphasizes just leadership and accountability. Moshe instructed Israel, “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates… and they shall judge the people with just judgment” (Deuteronomy 16:18). Governments should serve justice, not expand beyond their proper role. Reducing centralized control and returning authority to local communities aligns with the Torah’s principle of decentralized governance (Exodus 18:21). Education and social structure belong in the hands of families, communities, and faith-based institutions, not distant bureaucracies.

Additionally, centralizing power for moral enforcement can lead to oppression. “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and who write misfortune, which they have prescribed” (Isaiah 10:1). Government should be just, not overreaching in dictating morality.

2. Economic Reform and Just Weights Biblical economics opposes excessive taxation. The Torah commands, “You shall have just balances, just weights” (Leviticus 19:36). An income tax system that penalizes productivity contradicts this standard. Shifting to a consumption-based tax and simplifying tax codes removes unjust burdens, allowing families to thrive. The biblical model promotes honest trade and stewardship over forced wealth redistribution.

Additionally, wealth should not accumulate without justice. “Woe to him who increases what is not his—how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges” (Habakkuk 2:6). An economy must not serve the powerful at the expense of the poor.

3. Strengthening the Family and Protecting Morality Marriage and family are foundational. “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife” (Genesis 2:24). Policies that support traditional family structures and moral integrity reflect Torah values. Pornography, sexual immorality, and radical gender ideologies undermine biblical morality. The Torah warns against corrupting influences: “You shall not do according to the deeds of the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 18:3). A society that permits unchecked immorality invites judgment.

However, moral righteousness comes through personal obedience, not legal enforcement. “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Changing hearts is more effective than forced morality.

4. Environmental Stewardship with Dominion The earth belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). Humanity is given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28), but this does not justify extreme environmental policies. Prioritizing energy independence and economic stability while recognizing that responsible resource use honors God strikes the correct balance. Regulations that cripple industries or harm livelihoods fail to balance stewardship with human flourishing.

However, dominion does not equal exploitation. “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). Responsible stewardship means sustainability, not unchecked consumption.

5. Protecting the Unborn The Torah declares, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Ending abortion aligns with this command. Some argue that federal action exceeds constitutional limits, but moral absolutes demand protection. If the government defends life in cases of murder, it should protect the unborn. The Torah commands justice for the innocent (Proverbs 31:8-9).

However, torah distinguishes between pre-birth and post-birth life. “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished… but if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life” (Exodus 21:22-23). The penalty differs, implying a legal distinction.

6. Preserving Religious Liberty Religious conscience must remain free. “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3) mandates allegiance to God alone, not state-enforced ideology. Proposed laws that mandate religious compromise threaten believers’ ability to uphold biblical convictions. Legal protections ensuring that faith-based businesses, ministries, and institutions can operate according to their convictions safeguard freedom for all.

However, faith should thrive independently of government protection. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Over-reliance on legal protections can hinder genuine faith.

Addressing Concerns from a Torah Perspective

Restructuring Government and Local Responsibility Some worry that reducing government weakens national stability. Others believe education and welfare require federal oversight.

Response: The Torah promotes self-governance. Moshe appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (Exodus 18:25). This model reflects community-based responsibility. Federal overreach removes accountability. Restoring local authority strengthens biblical governance.

However, a lack of central justice leads to social instability. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Some oversight ensures justice.

A Call to Action for Torah-Pursuant Believers

A vision for national restoration offers a framework that aligns with biblical governance. It promotes limited government, economic justice, family values, and the sanctity of life. Those who follow Torah in Yeshua must engage wisely. We should support righteous policies, challenge inconsistencies, and advocate for biblical justice. Passivity is not an option. The Torah calls us to stand for truth (Proverbs 28:4). Now is the time to act.


 
 
 

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