Justice
 

When I first came across this image of Michael slaying the demon in the Bern Historical Museum, it really impressed me. That was long before I thought about any of the symbolism. I think I just admired it because of the contrasting beauty of the angel and gruesomeness of the demon.

It's a different concept from Egyptian and perhaps other cultures' symbolism of weighing of souls with scales (hardly a rare theme). The Egyptian Ma'at, for example, weighs the soul against a feather. Therefore, you would desire to have a light soul, unburdened by sins. Why then does the demon in this picture appear to be stepping into the scale? Would that not cause the soul to rise? I believe it's because here, the whole scale represents the individual--their virtues versus sins. If your virtuous self doesn't outweigh your sins, you get thrown to the crocodile. = P

The demon is definitely trying to 'tip the scales' in his own favor. Yet we have the power of God to protect and assist us. If God be for us, who can be against us? The figure in left basket is naked, to portray her innocence, like a pure and perfect Eve. She prays, and God (the Father) sends her a big bro to whup up on the demon who would waste her soul. Michael's face shows neither sorrow for the violence he commits in casting out evil, nor pleasure in destruction. He knows he carries the sword of justice and righteousness, not to achieve balance, rather to restore perfect goodness.

Blessed be Jah my rock who teaches my hands to wage war and my fingers to do the battle. My love, my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield in whom I've taken refuge and the one who subdues my people under me. Oh Jah, what is man? Man is breath, his days are like passing shadow. Oh Lord, bow down thy heavens and descend, touch the mountains so that they smoke, flash forth the lightning and strike them, shoot forth thy arrows and confound them.--Ziggy Marley

Another excellent image, from the Sforza Book of Hours

While researching this page, I found many Biblical verses which I felt were appropriate. I've included them here.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.--Gen 3:15 KJV

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.--Rev 12:7-10 KJV


He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? . . . Heed the rod and the One who appointed it. . . . Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?--Mic. 6:8-11 NIV

Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment.--Exodus 34:6-7 NWT

. . . thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.--Rev 11:18 KJV

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.--Deut. 32:41 KJV
Romans 13:1-8 KJV

  1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
  2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
  3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
  4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
  5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
  6. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very things.
  7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

 

http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/major/Justice/11extra.html