Revenge: Exodus 20:13

At first glance, it would seem that the 6th Word (Do not murder) would be the easiest command to obey. Who of us has ever murdered anyone? However, Jesus (in Matthew 5) expands our understanding of murder: when we allow bitterness and hatred to take root in our hearts, we’ve committed murder. Tonight, we talk why it is some important for us to trust God with vengeance and to not take it upon ourselves to seek revenge. Recorded at our service on 7/18/10 by Pastor Jon MacDonald.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:29 — 37.2MB)

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Exodus 20:13 (Today’s New International Version)

13 “You shall not murder.

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Psalm 94:6 (Today’s New International Version)

6 They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.

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Matthew 5:21-26 (Today’s New International Version)

Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, [a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister [b] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca, [c]‘ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13
2. Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts brother or sister without cause
3. Matthew 5:22 An Aramaic term of contempt

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Deuteronomy 32:35-39 (Today’s New International Version)

35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay.
In due time their foot will slip;
their day of disaster is near
and their doom rushes upon them.”

36 The LORD will vindicate his people
and relent concerning his servants
when he sees their strength is gone
and no one is left, slave or free. [a]

37 He will say: “Now where are their gods,
the rock they took refuge in,

38 the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices
and drank the wine of their drink offerings?
Let them rise up to help you!
Let them give you shelter!

39 “See now that I myself am He!
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Footnotes:

1. Deuteronomy 32:36 Or and they are without a ruler or leader