21 August Exodus 21

An eye for an eye

Exodus 21:23-25 (ESV) “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe”.

The concept of "an eye for an eye, is part of the Mosaic Law used in the Israelites' justice system. This principle means that the punishment should match the crime, ensuring a fair penalty for wrongful actions: "If there is serious injury, the punishment should be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." Leviticus 24:20 (ESV) “fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him”. Confirmed by Deuteronomy 19:21 (ESV) “Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot”.

The ESV Study Bible explains ‘eye for eye’ was not taken literally. It was simply a formula for proportionate punishment or compensation

However in the New Testament, it appears that the Pharisees and scribes misapplied the "eye for an eye" principle to personal relationships. They taught that seeking personal revenge was acceptable. If someone hit you, you could hit them back; if someone insulted you, you could insult them in return. The religious leaders of Jesus' time ignored the original judicial purpose of that law. Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV) "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 4And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you”.

Jesus then reveals God's perspective on personal relationships: Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to them as well. If someone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give them your coat too. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to those who ask, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow from you.

As Christians, we are called to follow a higher standard than just the law. We should live by the standard of love that Jesus taught us. However, Jesus' commands to "turn the other cheek" or "give your coat as well" should not be used to justify abuse, extortion, or breaking the law.

Paul writes to the Romans, Chapter 12:19 (ESV) “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” This is confirmed in 1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

We should never seek revenge on our own. Instead, we should trust the Lord to take the right actions, knowing that He hates sin and will not let evil prosper forever.