How does Psalm 35:8 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance? Setting the Scene “May ruin overtake them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into ruin.” “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.’” What Psalm 35:8 Teaches about Vengeance • David prays that the traps set by his enemies will rebound on them. • He does not plot his own retaliation; he petitions God to act. • The verse affirms God’s control over justice—ruin comes “by surprise,” under divine timing, not human engineering. What Romans 12:19 Commands • Personal retaliation is forbidden to believers. • We are to “leave room” for God’s wrath—trusting His timing and method. • Paul cites Deuteronomy 32:35, anchoring the command in God’s perpetual promise: “Vengeance is Mine.” The Connecting Thread • Psalm 35 shows a servant entrusting justice to God; Romans 12 instructs every believer to do the same. • Both passages direct eyes away from self-defense toward divine justice. • The New Testament command echoes the Old Testament pattern: cry out, but do not strike back. Additional Scriptural Support • Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • Hebrews 10:30 repeats the same pledge, underscoring its permanence. • 1 Peter 2:23—Jesus “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly,” providing the ultimate model. God’s Righteous Justice • God’s justice is certain—no wrong escapes His notice (Nahum 1:2). • His justice is precise—He repays according to truth (Romans 2:5-6). • His justice is patient—He gives space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Practical Takeaways • Refuse personal revenge; instead, echo David’s prayerful dependence. • Hand every offense to the Lord in faith that He judges fairly. • Actively bless and serve enemies (Romans 12:20-21; Matthew 5:44). • Trust that God’s justice, whether swift or delayed, will always be perfect and complete. |
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