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God’s Concept. If we look closely at Exodus 21:22-25, we discover that God was not encouraging anyone to take revenge for one’s self. The verses that come before and after the passage, the context, are about judicial or legal actions that should occur when someone commits a crime against another person. That is, God had said that there should be a penalty for any crime we commit. God was establishing a judicial system and determining the punishment for offenses. Nations do the same thing through presidents, kings, dictators, legislatures, or some other governmental agency. Exodus 21:22-25 is nothing more than a summary.
But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty . . . (NASB) Ex. 21:23 Deut. 19:18-21 established the same principle. The passage tells us that God wants judges to make the decision regarding an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. There should be a trial, witnesses, and a judicial decision. The decision does not belong to a victim, a relative, or a friend. It belongs to a judge. Here is the passage.
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you. The rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you. Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. (NASB) Deut. 19:18-21 God was establishing a legal and judicial system in Exodus 21:22-25 and Deut. 19:18-21. Deut. 25:1 is another example,
If there is a dispute between men and they go to court, and the judges decide their case, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked . . . (NASB) Deut. 25:1 |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | |||||
