J15 I'll kill him!

Exodus 21:24: "...an eye for an eye..."

Augustine (1): "...by which expressions a certain measure is intended, so that the vengeance should not exceed the injury. And this is the beginning of peace: but perfect peace is to have no wish at all for such vengeance."

We must never lose sight of the cultural context in which scripture was written. The church fathers were separated as far in time, from Moses, as we are, from them. Yet they were united in their understanding that the law in Exodus was a limitation on vengeance, not a license for it. Nomadic peoples have long been known for multi- generational feuds, driven by escalating retaliation. There were no "authorities" to which an appeal could be made. In the classic film, Lawrence of Arabia, the different Bedouin tribes are in just such continuous conflict. This is the lowest form of justice, in Augustine's view.

The theocracy of the Pharisees exercised restraint in administering justice -- that the physical harm not exceed that suffered. This second kind of justice is actually merciful, in cultures where there is no neutral authority. One would expect the guilty to receive greater suffering than he caused to the innocent, not equal.

But that is only the first step toward peace -- he rightly points out, the Christian refrains from exacting even lawful vengeance -- the believer knows not to usurp God's prerogative.

My prayer today: Lord help me control the anger I feel when I have suffered willful injury from another. Help me rein in my words. If the offense is only to my dignity, let me seek no redress at all. Keep me from escalating the degree of injury. Let my witness be restraint!

(1) "Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, 1.19.56," Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, OT Vol iii, Lienhard, Ed

11/16/2018, 8/28/2024