What does "avenge Myself on My foes" teach about God's justice?

◄ God's justice in avenging foes? ►

“Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: ‘Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries and avenge Myself on My foes.’”

• Isaiah opens by exposing Judah’s rebellion (vv.1-23).

• Verse 24 marks God’s response: He will personally act against those who oppose Him.

• The statement is not hyperbole; it is God’s literal pledge to execute retributive justice.

Meaning of “avenge Myself on My foes”

• “Avenge” (Hebrew naqam) means to exact full, deserved punishment.

• “Foes” are God-resisting people and powers—whether pagan nations (Isaiah 10:5-19) or covenant-breakers inside Israel (Isaiah 1:28).

• The phrase underscores that vengeance is God’s exclusive prerogative (Deuteronomy 32:35).

What the Phrase Teaches about God’s Justice

• Justice is personal to God

– He calls them “My foes,” showing offense is against His holiness (Psalm 51:4).

• Justice is certain

– “I will” removes all doubt; divine vengeance is not theoretical (Nahum 1:2-3).

• Justice is measured

– Relief for God (“I will be relieved”) implies punishment precisely matches the offense (Proverbs 11:21).

• Justice is active, not passive

– God Himself intervenes rather than delegating ultimate vengeance (Revelation 19:11-16).

• Justice defends covenant love

– By judging foes, God protects the faithful remnant and vindicates His promises (Isaiah 1:25-27).

How God’s Justice Comforts Believers

• Assurance that evil will not prevail (Psalm 94:1-3).

• Freedom from personal retaliation: “’Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

• Hope amid persecution: “It is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

• Confidence that all wrongs are settled either at the Cross (for the repentant) or at final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Living in the Light of Divine Justice

• Pursue holiness, turning from the sins Isaiah denounces—empty worship, injustice, and oppression (Isaiah 1:16-17).

• Rest in God’s timing; wait patiently as martyrs do: “How long…until You avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10).

• Proclaim the gospel, urging foes of God to become friends through Christ’s atoning work (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

• Worship with reverence, celebrating that the Judge of all the earth always does right (Genesis 18:25).