How does Judges 15:8 connect to Romans 12:19 about vengeance? The Texts - Judges 15:8 — “He struck them down hip and thigh with a great slaughter, and then he went down and stayed in the cave of the rock of Etam.” - Romans 12:19 — “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.” Context in Judges 15 • Samson’s wife has been given to another man, and the Philistines retaliate after Samson’s fox-fire judgment (vv. 6-7). • Samson’s attack in v. 8 is called “hip and thigh,” an idiom for a decisive, crushing blow. • Judges 14:4 already revealed that Samson’s conflicts were part of God’s plan “to confront the Philistines,” who were oppressing Israel. • Thus, Samson’s violent act is less a personal vendetta and more a divinely appointed judgment against a pagan oppressor during the era of the Judges. Romans 12:19 in Its Setting • Comes in a section urging believers to act in love, blessing persecutors (vv. 14-21). • Quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, reminding Christians that God alone holds the right of retribution. • Shifts vengeance from human hands to divine hands, freeing the believer to repay evil with good. Threads That Tie the Passages Together 1. Ultimate Ownership of Vengeance - Judges shows God exercising His right through an appointed judge. - Romans declares that same right remains God’s, but believers are now told to relinquish personal retaliation. 2. Different Covenantal Roles - Under the Mosaic covenant, judges like Samson were raised up to execute God’s temporal judgments (Judges 2:16-18). - Under the new covenant, God’s people are ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), awaiting final judgment executed by Christ (Acts 17:31). 3. Assurance of Divine Justice - Samson’s victory assures Israel that God does not overlook oppression. - Romans assures the church that God still sees and will repay; therefore believers can respond with grace, trusting His timetable. Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • Psalm 94:1 – “O LORD, God of vengeance, shine forth!” • Matthew 5:38-39 – Jesus redirects followers from retaliation to forgiveness. • 1 Peter 2:23 – Christ “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” Key Takeaways for Today • God alone rightfully avenges wrong; He may act directly, employ human instruments, or reserve judgment for the last day. • Samson’s story displays God’s immediate justice in history; Romans directs believers to trust God for ultimate justice. • Choosing not to retaliate is not weakness but faith in God’s righteous character and perfect timing. • While civil authorities still bear the sword to punish evil (Romans 13:4), personal vengeance is surrendered to the Lord. |
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