How does Romans 12:19 connect with 1 Samuel 26:10's message on vengeance? Key Passages “David added, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.’” “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.’” David’s Restraint in 1 Samuel 26 • Saul is stalking David, yet David refuses to kill the king when he has the chance. • David trusts that God will deal with Saul by one of three means: natural death, divine judgment, or death in battle. • His choice shows confidence in God’s timing and righteousness, not personal retaliation. Paul’s Instruction in Romans 12 • Believers are commanded to relinquish every impulse to retaliate. • “Leave room for God’s wrath” echoes Deuteronomy 32:35 and mirrors David’s outlook. • Paul roots the command in God’s promise to judge perfectly: “I will repay.” Shared Principle: God Alone Is the Avenger • Both passages insist that vengeance belongs exclusively to the LORD. • David’s historical example becomes Paul’s doctrinal directive. • God’s justice is certain; our role is to trust and obey, not strike back. Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 32:35—“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense…” • Proverbs 20:22—“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the LORD…” • Psalm 94:1—“O LORD, God of vengeance, shine forth!” • 1 Peter 2:23—Christ “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Exodus 14:14—“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Practical Takeaways • Surrender the right to settle scores; God is already committed to perfect justice. • Patience is active faith—waiting on God as David did. • Respond to wrongs with blessing (Romans 12:20-21), displaying confidence that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). |
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