In Leviticus 24:17-21 God tells Moses, “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death. Whoever takes an animal’s life shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death.” But what does God mean by this?
Many people want to use this to endorse vengeance, but that is not what is going on here. God gave this to Moses for the judges of the land, not the people. These were the principles the judges of Israel were to adhere to. In essence, what God is saying is that a punishment given should fit the crime done. It was God’s way of ensuring justice was delivered justly; so that the punishment delivered was neither too harsh or too lenient.
So, how does this apply to us? Fast forward to the New Testament. Jesus said, “You have heard it was said, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheeck, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matt. 5:38-42). Jesus is saying that when someone wrongs us, rather than trying to get even, we should do good to them. Rather than trying to keep score, we should forgive. Instead of planning how we can get back at the person or persons who have wronged us, we should pray for them instead. Rather than seeking vengeance, we should absorb their wrongdoing.
And if you take the time to consider it, that’s what Jesus did for us. Instead of condemning us, he came to save us. Instead of giving us what we are owed because of sin, he forgave us. Instead of holding our sin debt over us, he paid it off. Jesus did all that at the cross. He expects his followers to do the same to others: instead of seeking revenge, forgive.