How does this verse connect with God's justice in Romans 12:19? The Verse in View: Deuteronomy 32:35 “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” 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.’” Key Connection Points • Both passages share the exact declaration, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” emphasizing that judgment belongs exclusively to God. • Deuteronomy 32:35 reveals God’s settled promise to execute justice at the right moment; Romans 12:19 applies that promise to believers, urging them to relinquish personal retaliation. • The New Testament verse depends on the Old Testament verse for its authority, demonstrating the unity of Scripture on God’s justice. God’s Justice on Display in Deuteronomy 32:35 • God retains the sovereign right to judge sin—He is holy and cannot overlook evil (cf. Deuteronomy 32:4). • “In due time their foot will slip” shows His justice is perfectly timed; it may appear delayed, but it is never absent. • The verse comforts the righteous: judgment on oppressors is certain and orchestrated by the Lord Himself. How Romans 12:19 Builds on That Justice • Paul commands believers to “leave room for God’s wrath,” acknowledging our limited perspective versus God’s perfect judgment. • Personal vengeance tempts us to seize God’s role; relinquishing it is an act of faith in His just character. • The citation of Deuteronomy 32:35 reminds the church that the same God who judged Israel’s enemies will address every wrong in His time. Supporting Scriptures • Nahum 1:2-3—“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God… Yet the LORD is slow to anger and great in power.” • Psalm 94:1—“O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!” • 1 Peter 2:21-23—Christ Himself “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Proverbs 20:22—“Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Release the urge to retaliate; let God handle justice, trusting His timing and thoroughness. • Focus on overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21), reflecting God’s grace while He handles judgment. • Remember that delaying justice is not neglect; it is mercy giving space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). • Confidence in God’s justice frees believers from bitterness, enabling genuine love toward even those who wrong us. Conclusion Deuteronomy 32:35 anchors Romans 12:19 in God’s immutable promise: He alone carries out perfect justice. By surrendering vengeance to Him, believers align with His character, rest in His timing, and testify to the gospel’s power. |
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