Revenge?

February 17

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 24 – 25

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 24:20 – “Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.”

This is first of two passages that set out the law on punishment in the Old Testament.

Many misuse this passage as a justification for revenge. That is not what God is speaking of in these places. God is never justifying revenge in the Old Testament or the New Testament. In this passage and in Deuteronomy 19:21, God is putting a restriction upon what kind of punishment that can be meted out. The punishment must fit the crime, and not be greater than the breaking of the law. That is the meaning of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”

God does establish the use of chastisement as a means of holding up the law. He never seeks revenge. And I for one am happy that He doesn’t. And so – neither should we. 

Prayer: Father, as one who has felt your Hand of chastisement for my sins, I am thankful for forgiveness and restoration – never revenge. Amen.