This post is another in the current series here on the theme "Enough!" It is also part of the "One Word at a Time" blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about Justice.
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Samson presents the real life image of an incredible hulk who regularly lapses into fits of wrathful vengeance.
And Samson lay low till midnight; then he arose at midnight, took hold of the doors of the gate of the city [Gaza] and the two gateposts, pulled them up, bar and all, put them on his shoulders, and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.
~ Judges 16:3 (NKJV)
The gates and frame which bar an entire city against all intruders might well weigh a ton. The distance from Gaza to Hebron is nearly forty miles as the crow flies—much farther as one winds an uphill path through the mountains, from sea level to 3,000 feet above it.
Whatever the physical feat involved, this story is more noteworthy as the only incident in which Samson doesn't singlehandedly kill a crowd in his quest for vengeance. Although the Lord's plan was to deliver His people from Philistine oppression and dominion through Samson (Judges 13:5), Samson's motives appear to be rather self-serving; he paid back offense and injury without restraint, leaving destruction in his wake.
If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him—fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him.
~ Leviticus 24:19-20 (NKJV)
The intent of this Old Testament law was never to justify revenge, but instead—in the interest of justice—to limit damages to the extent of the injury suffered. Pure justice loves truth that it may bring accountability and fair compensation. Malice seeks technicality that it may vilify and retaliate.
Far too often, human nature isn't satisfied with "damages enough." Many an offense or injury finds recompense only in a form of destruction greater than itself.
Such "victory" rings hollow. Cruel irony befalls the corrupted soul which wins revenge, for there is no smile from Grace upon one who steals what belongs to the Lord.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Romans 12:19, 21 (NKJV)
Justice loves truth - I liked that!
ReplyDeleteYes, Hazel, to love justice is to love truth—personified in the beauty of Jesus.
DeleteAnne, nice take on Samson's story. I had overlooked that part you mentioned so many times, I've never knew what an unbelievable strength was needed to accomplish it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved how you closed the post, with those verses from Romans. Very well said!
Perhaps, Chris, we read these stories so many times that we forget how powerfully God worked in biblical heroes—how powerfully He wants to work in us. Thanks for the feedback! :D
DeleteUntil reading this I didn't really get the "eye for an eye" thing. I love how you explained it. Thanks for that and I love reading your blog I always get something from it.
ReplyDeleteALL of God's Word is good, Renee. It's sad that people have appropriated verses for their own agendas, from both OT & NT, for thousands of years.
DeleteBut.
Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
Psalm 119:140
Hey, Anne! I know I haven't stopped by in awhile, but what a day to stop in. "Cruel irony befalls the corrupted soul which wins revenge, for there is no smile from Grace upon one who steals what belongs to the Lord." LOVE that line. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ralene! It's good to see you, too. Yes, I'm also having a great deal of difficulty getting around to the blogs of beloved friends. How I LONG for the day when we step outside of time and have eternity to revel in the Lord's goodness together. ♥
DeleteAwesome post sis.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Denise! :D I KNOW you've put this into practice.
DeleteI read this three times before this really sunk in before this sunk in for me: "there is no smile from Grace upon one who steals what belongs to the Lord."
ReplyDeleteThank you for filling in the facts and details too.
Blessings.
You're very welcome, Darlene. When you think about it this way, revenge isn't even logical. Thx for the blessings. : )
DeleteSo well said it's almost frightening. What truth.
ReplyDeleteSusan, from the master (or should I say mistress?) of matching words and photos, "frightening" is quite the compliment for me. It's wonderful to see you, dear!
DeleteVery straightforward and truthful. Samson is one of the least of my favorite people, b/c of his anger and going for throats and attempting to lie. The main good part is when he turned to the Lord for the right consequence when he had been captured, blinded, and a weak suffering man and then made that final step. We all need to leave vengeance and frustrating anger on the Lord's plate instead of filling ours with it over and over again. Very good. Thank you.
ReplyDeletecaryjo, I do agree with you. But in the end, I can point no fingers at Samson. I can only beg God to humble me more gently.
DeleteAnd you're welcome. Thank YOU! : )