How does Ezekiel 25:17 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance? Two Voices, One Authoritative Theme “ ‘I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’ ” (Ezekiel 25:17) “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.’ ” (Romans 12:19) Connecting the Dots • Both verses establish a single truth: vengeance is God’s exclusive jurisdiction. • Ezekiel displays God acting against pagan nations that mocked and harmed Israel; Romans instructs believers not to usurp God’s role but to trust Him to settle accounts. • The same divine voice speaks in both Old and New Testaments, revealing no contradiction—only a consistent pattern of holy justice. What Ezekiel Teaches About God’s Vengeance • It is “great” and “furious” (25:17), underscoring righteous intensity, never capricious rage. • Its purpose is revelatory—“then they will know that I am the LORD.” God’s justice unveils His character. • Context: judgments against Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia (25:1-17). Each nation’s cruelty invited divine recompense (cf. Obadiah v.10; Joel 3:19). What Romans Teaches About Our Response • “Do not avenge yourselves” shifts the focus from retaliation to trust. • “Leave room for God’s wrath” invites believers to step out of the way so God can act. • The quotation “Vengeance is Mine” reaches back to Deuteronomy 32:35, reaffirming the continuity of God’s moral order. Complementary, Not Contradictory 1. Ezekiel affirms that God does avenge. 2. Romans affirms that we don’t. 3. Together they show that the certainty of divine justice empowers Christian non-retaliation. Broader Scriptural Harmony • Psalm 94:1 — “O LORD, God of vengeance… shine forth!” • Nahum 1:2 — “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 — “See that no one repays evil for evil.” • 1 Peter 2:23 — Christ “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” Practical Takeaways • Release personal grudges; God will handle every wrong (Matthew 5:38-45). • Pursue peace and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20-21). • Rest in the assurance that no offense escapes divine notice; justice delayed is not justice denied (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:11-15). Bottom Line Ezekiel 25:17 shows what God will do; Romans 12:19 shows what we must not do. Recognizing God as the ultimate Avenger frees His people to live in mercy, patience, and confident hope. |
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