VENGEANCE Part I
THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY
VENGEANCE
Vengeance
In a biblical context, vengeance refers to retribution or punishment inflicted in response to wrongdoing, either by God or individuals. It can also be understood as a desire for revenge or repayment for a perceived or real harm. The Bible emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and warns against seeking personal revenge, as it can lead to further sin and conflict.
Elaboration:
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Retribution and Punishment:
Vengeance involves punishing or inflicting retribution on someone for their actions, whether justified or not.
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God’s Vengeance:
The Bible portrays God as avenging wrongs and upholding justice, taking vengeance against those who harm His people or the innocent.
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Personal Vengeance:
The Bible discourages individuals from taking personal revenge, as it is often fueled by anger and resentment and can lead to further harm.
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Vengeance as Justice:
In some cases, the concept of vengeance is used to describe a just punishment or retribution, as seen in the principle of “eye for eye” in Exodus 21:23-25.
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“Vengeance is Mine”:
The phrase “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19) emphasizes God’s authority to dispense justice and suggests that believers should leave the task of vengeance to Him.
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Examples in the Bible:
Passages like Psalm 94:1, Deuteronomy 32:35, and Romans 12:19 discuss God’s role in vengeance and the need to trust in His justice.
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Forgiveness:
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The concept of forgiveness is often contrasted with vengeance, as forgiveness allows for reconciliation and breaks the cycle of retribution.