29 November Deuteronomy 19

Don't seek revenge, even if you're insulted or hurt.

Deuteronomy 19:21 (NIV) “Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot”.

The concept of “an eye for an eye” is part of the Mosaic Law used in the Israelites’ justice system. The principle is that the punishment must fit the crime, and there should be a just penalty for evil actions.

In the New Testament, it seems the Pharisees and teachers of the law had taken the "eye for an eye" rule and used it for everyday personal relationships. They taught that getting even was okay. If someone hit you, you could hit them back; if someone insulted you, you could insult them back. The religious leaders of Jesus' time ignored that this rule was meant to guide judges in making fair decisions.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges this idea of personal revenge. He says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth'". 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. And 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”.

The phrase "eye for an eye" was part of the Israelites' justice system. It aimed to set fair punishments that matched the seriousness of the crime. This law wasn't about personal revenge but about ensuring justice. It guided judges to give penalties that were neither harsh nor lenient.

However, by Jesus's time, the Pharisees and religious leaders had applied this principle to personal relationships, making it seem acceptable to seek revenge. They taught that if someone wronged you, it was fair to retaliate similarly. But this was a misuse of the law, as it was meant for the court system, not for personal matters.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly challenges this idea of personal revenge. He teaches a different way of responding to wrongs: When He says, "Do not resist the one who is evil," He encourages His followers not to respond with anger or revenge when wronged. By telling us to "turn the other cheek," Jesus shows that we don't need to seek revenge, even if we're insulted or hurt.

When He mentions giving your cloak or going the extra mile, Jesus teaches us to respond with generosity and patience, even when mistreated. Jesus wanted to transform how people respond to wrongdoing. Rather than continuing a cycle of retaliation, He called His followers to break that cycle by responding with grace, patience, and kindness. This teaches us to put love and forgiveness above revenge, trusting that God ultimately brings justice. Romans 12:17-19 (NIV) "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." This is further confirmed by:

Proverbs 20:22 (NIV) - "Do not say, 'I’ll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you."

1 Peter 3:9 (NIV) - "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

These verses guide us to trust God with any wrongs done to us, to respond in love rather than revenge, and to focus on peace and forgiveness even when hurt or insulted. Doing so keeps our hearts free from resentment and reflects God’s love to others.