What does "avenge our blood" reveal about God's justice in Revelation 6:10? The Setting: Voices beneath the Altar Revelation 6:10: “and they cried out in a loud voice, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?’ ” • Context: The fifth seal opens and the souls of slain believers appear “under the altar,” a picture drawn from the Old Testament sacrificial system (Leviticus 4:7). • They are already in God’s presence, conscious and articulate, yet still awaiting full justice on earth. A Cry Rooted in God’s Covenant Promises • Throughout Scripture God pledges to defend His servants and repay their oppressors. – Deuteronomy 32:35-43: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay… He will avenge the blood of His servants.” – Psalm 79:10: “Why should the nations ask, ‘Where is their God?’ Let vengeance for Your servants’ blood be known.” • The martyrs are simply appealing to promises God Himself made; their request is an act of faith, not bitterness. What “Avenge Our Blood” Reveals about Divine Justice • Justice is personal: God takes the shedding of innocent blood as an affront to Himself (Genesis 4:10; Proverbs 6:17). • Justice is retributive: The Greek ekdikeō conveys “carry out justice, exact penalty.” God does not overlook sin; He repays in kind (Revelation 16:6; 18:20). • Justice is holy: They address Him as “holy and true,” grounding vengeance in His moral perfection, never in capricious anger (Isaiah 30:18). • Justice is certain yet scheduled: “How long” implies delay, but the delay is purposeful. God’s timeline allows – completion of the martyr count (Revelation 6:11), – further repentance for the living (2 Peter 3:9), – a fuller display of His righteousness (Romans 9:22-23). • Justice includes vindication: When God answers, He not only punishes the wicked but publicly clears His people’s name (Revelation 19:2). The Timing: “Yet a Little While” • Revelation 6:11: each martyr receives a white robe and is told to “rest a little while longer.” • God’s delay is never denial; it synchronizes with His redemptive plan: – Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come.” – Romans 12:19: “Leave room for God’s wrath… ‘It is Mine to avenge.’” Contrasting Human Revenge with Divine Vengeance • Believers are forbidden personal retaliation (Matthew 5:38-45). • God’s vengeance is not spite; it is the rightful execution of judicial authority: – perfect knowledge of facts, motives, and merits, – measured, proportional penalty (Revelation 18:6-7), – ultimate display of His glory and faithfulness. Assurance for Suffering Saints Today • Your pain is recorded in heaven (Psalm 56:8). • God’s justice may feel slow, but it is never uncertain. • The same God who will avenge blood in the future presently clothes His people in purity and honor (Revelation 6:11). • Final vindication is guaranteed at Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8). Summary “ Avenge our blood ” spotlights a God who hears, remembers, and will unfailingly repay every wrong done to His people. His justice is personal, holy, retributive, and perfectly timed—offering both comfort for the oppressed and warning for the unrepentant. |
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