How does Judges 9:56 connect with Romans 12:19 about vengeance? Judges 9:56 — A Historical Snapshot of Divine Vengeance “In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.” • Abimelech’s three-year reign was marked by bloodshed and treachery. • His violent death—struck by a millstone (Judges 9:53-55)—was not random; Scripture frames it as God’s direct repayment for his crimes. • The verse underscores a key principle: God Himself settles accounts. Romans 12:19 — The New-Covenant Reminder “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.’” • Paul echoes Deuteronomy 32:35, reinforcing that vengeance is the Lord’s prerogative. • Believers are commanded to step back, trusting God to administer justice in His time and way. Connecting the Dots • Consistency of God’s character – The same God who repaid Abimelech’s evil in Judges is the One Paul cites in Romans. • A living illustration – Judges 9:56 functions as a concrete case study validating Romans 12:19; Abimelech’s demise shows how God “repays” without human retaliation. • Human restraint, divine action – Gideon’s surviving relatives did not orchestrate revenge. God intervened, modeling the principle Paul later articulates to the church. • Assurance for the righteous – Knowing God will judge frees believers to pursue peace, forgiveness, and even kindness toward enemies (Romans 12:20-21). Practical Takeaways • Resist the urge to settle scores; entrust grievances to the Lord. • Remember that God’s justice often unfolds over time—sometimes dramatically, as with Abimelech, sometimes in ways unseen. • Maintain a heart of mercy; God alone knows every motive and metes out perfect recompense. • Live out Romans 12:17-18—doing what is honorable and living peaceably with all—while resting in God’s sovereign justice. Additional Passages Reinforcing the Theme • Deuteronomy 32:35 — “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • Psalm 94:1 — “O LORD, God of vengeance, … shine forth.” • Proverbs 20:22 — “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.” • Nahum 1:2 — “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God.” • Hebrews 10:30 — “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” Together, these texts affirm that God’s justice is sure, allowing His people to lay down personal vengeance and walk in Christlike love. |
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