Compare Isaiah 59:18 with Romans 12:19 on God's role in vengeance. Isaiah 59:18 — The Righteous Judge - “So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes; He will repay the coastlands their due.” - God Himself takes direct action; no delegation is mentioned. - Vengeance here is judicial, measured, and perfectly aligned with each person’s deeds. - The context (vv. 15-17) shows God putting on righteousness and salvation like armor, underscoring His personal, holy involvement. - Key truth: Divine vengeance is certain, comprehensive, and righteous. Romans 12:19 — The Call to Trust the Judge - “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’” - Believers are expressly forbidden to retaliate. - “Leave room” means stepping aside so God’s righteous judgment can operate. - Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, rooting the command in God’s own promise. - Key truth: The same God who vows vengeance also commands His people to refrain from it. Harmony Between the Two Passages - Same Actor, different audiences • Isaiah: God addressing the unrepentant wicked. • Romans: God, through Paul, addressing believers. - Same certainty • Isaiah: “He will repay.” • Romans: “I will repay.” - Same motivation • God’s holiness demands justice (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 15:4). • God’s love protects His people from the corrosive effects of personal revenge (Proverbs 20:22). - Complementary commands • Isaiah shows what God will do. • Romans shows what we must not do, because He will. Additional Scriptural Witnesses - Deuteronomy 32:35 — foundation of the “I will repay” promise. - Nahum 1:2 — “The LORD is avenging and wrathful.” - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 — God repays affliction “when the Lord Jesus is revealed.” - Hebrews 10:30 — repeats “Vengeance is Mine.” - Revelation 19:1-2 — heavenly chorus praising God for “true and just” judgments. Practical Takeaways - Rest in God’s justice; He sees every wrong (Psalm 94:1-3). - Relinquish personal retaliation; respond with good (Romans 12:20-21). - Pray for the salvation of enemies while trusting God to judge unrepentant evil (Matthew 5:44; Revelation 6:10-11). - Live confidently, knowing final justice is God’s guaranteed work (Isaiah 30:18). |
    |