Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of a "revenger" is closely associated with the role of the "avenger of blood," a figure in ancient Israelite society responsible for exacting justice in cases of unlawful killing. This role is rooted in the legal and moral codes given to the Israelites, as outlined in the Old Testament.Old Testament Context The primary reference to the revenger is found in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the context of cities of refuge. These cities were designated places where individuals who had committed manslaughter could seek asylum to avoid immediate retribution from the avenger of blood. The avenger of blood was typically the nearest male relative of the deceased, tasked with ensuring that justice was served. This system is detailed in the Book of Numbers: "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him" (Numbers 35:19). The cities of refuge provided a legal mechanism to distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental killing. If the accused was found to have killed unintentionally, they could remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25-28). Theological Implications The role of the revenger highlights the biblical principle of justice and the sanctity of life. The avenger of blood served as a deterrent against murder, emphasizing the seriousness of taking a life. However, the provision of cities of refuge also underscores God's mercy and the importance of due process, ensuring that justice was tempered with compassion. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of personal vengeance is addressed with a shift in focus from retribution to forgiveness and love. Jesus Christ's teachings emphasize the renunciation of personal vengeance, urging believers to leave justice in the hands of God. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans: "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'" (Romans 12:19). This teaching reflects a broader theological shift from the Old Covenant's legalistic framework to the New Covenant's emphasis on grace and forgiveness. Believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and to respond to wrongdoing with love and forgiveness, rather than seeking personal revenge. Cultural and Historical Significance The role of the revenger in ancient Israelite society reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, where familial and tribal responsibilities were paramount. The avenger of blood was a necessary institution in a society without a centralized judicial system, ensuring that justice was maintained within the community. In contemporary Christian thought, the concept of the revenger serves as a reminder of the balance between justice and mercy, and the call to live out the teachings of Christ in a fallen world. The biblical narrative encourages believers to uphold justice while embodying the love and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus. ATS Bible Dictionary RevengerOr AVENGER OF BLOOD, is a name given in Scripture to the man who had the right, according to the Jewish polity, of taking revenge on him who had killed one of his relations. If a man had been guilty of manslaughter involuntarily and without design, he fled to a city of refuge. See REFUGE, CITIES OF. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who revenges.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia REVENGE; REVENGERre-venj', re-venj'-er: The same Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the idea of "to avenge" and "to revenge" (naqam, or derivative; ekdikeo, or derivative). In English these words are synonymous in that they are both used to express the infliction of punishment upon the wrongdoer, but "to take revenge" may also imply a spiteful, wrong or malignant spirit. In the latter case, the Revised Version (British and American) preserves "revenge" (compare Jeremiah 20:10 Ezekiel 25:15; Ezekiel 25:17 is an anthropomorphism), but, wherever it is synonymous with "avenge," this word is used (compare Numbers 31:2, 3 Psalm 79:10 Nahum 1:2; Jdt 13:20; Romans 13:4 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 10:6 the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version has "revenge" in all these cases). In Deuteronomy 32:42, the King James Version "revenge" is a wrong translation. Read with the Revised Version (British and American) "from the head of the leaders of the enemy" or the Revised Version margin "the hairy head of the enemy." Strong's Hebrew 1350. gaal -- to redeem, act as kinsman... his widow, etc.) -- X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. ... /hebrew/1350.htm - 6k Library Meditations for the Evening. Human Government. No Doubt the Apostle Admonishes the Romans to be Subject to all ... Whether Worldly Fear is Always Evil Petilianus Said: "The Lord Christ Cries Again from Heaven to Paul. ... The First Wall. Rom. xiii. 1 Antichrist in the Psalms Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. ) The Westminster Standards in America. Thesaurus Revenger (5 Occurrences)... (n.) One who revenges. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REVENGE; REVENGER. ... AL Breslich. Multi-Version Concordance Revenger (5 Occurrences). ... /r/revenger.htm - 9k Kills (38 Occurrences) Meeteth (12 Occurrences) Borders (104 Occurrences) Slay (189 Occurrences) Revenge (13 Occurrences) Revengefully (2 Occurrences) Revengers (1 Occurrence) Murder (41 Occurrences) Avenger (18 Occurrences) Resources Revenger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Revenger (5 Occurrences)Numbers 35:19 Numbers 35:21 Numbers 35:24 Numbers 35:25 Numbers 35:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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