What does "not be avenged" reveal about God's view on servitude? Scripture Focus “ ‘If a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he must surely be punished. But if the slave gets up after a day or two, he shall not be avenged, for he is his owner’s property.’ ” (Exodus 21:20-21) Understanding the Phrase “not be avenged” • “Avenged” in Hebrew (nāqam) speaks of retributive justice—full legal retaliation. • Here, God withholds the death-penalty reaction when the servant survives, while still holding the master accountable if the servant dies. • The law balances two truths: the servant’s intrinsic worth and the economic reality of indentured service in ancient Israel. Key Truths About God’s View on Servitude • Human life is protected – If the servant dies, “he must surely be punished.” Life may not be taken with impunity (cf. Genesis 9:6). • Abuse is restrained, not excused – God limits violence by attaching penalties (Exodus 21:26-27: loss of eye or tooth sets the servant free). • Servitude is temporary and regulated, never ultimate ownership – Hebrew servants were released in the seventh year (Deuteronomy 15:12-15). – Every fifty years the Jubilee freed all Israelite bond-servants (Leviticus 25:10). • Masters answer to a higher Master – “He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven and there is no favoritism with Him” (Ephesians 6:9). • The servant’s recovery shifts consequences – If the servant survives, civil courts do not exact blood vengeance; instead, loss of labor and any required compensation serve as deterrent. – This underlines prudence over passion—God disallows personal revenge even in tense situations (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 12:19). Why God Limits Vengeance • To curb escalating violence in a fallen society. • To teach accountability tempered by mercy—reflecting His own character (Psalm 86:15). • To preserve order until fuller redemption arrives in Christ, who turns servants into friends (John 15:15) and brothers (Philemon 16). Practical Takeaways for Today • Every worker, employee, or vulnerable person bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and deserves protection from abuse. • Justice must be thoughtful, not reactionary; personal revenge remains off-limits. • Any authority we hold—parental, managerial, civic—must mirror the Lord’s just, compassionate rule (Colossians 4:1). • The gospel calls us from ownership to stewardship, from coercion to service (Mark 10:42-45). Summing Up “Not be avenged” shows God restraining human retaliation while still upholding the dignity and protection of the servant. It reveals a Lord who values justice, limits oppression, and guides His people toward the ultimate freedom found in Christ. |
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