Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 22 NLV, Ch. 23 WEB, Ch. 24 NLV

Podcast Introduction

Today is the Law Monday. We’ll read Leviticus 22-24. I’m calling the episode “An Eye For An Eye?”

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Thoughts on Leviticus 24 Leviticus 24:19-20

If a man hurts his neighbor, it will be done to him just as he has done, broken bone for broken bone, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he has hurt a man, so he will be hurt. (NLV - New Life Version)

Most people have heard the phrase, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Let's talk about this for a few minutes.

Some have used this as an excuse to take revenge. After all, if someone harms us, the natural response is to want to get them back...with interest. 

Others have taken "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" to mean that it is an obligation to repay injury for injury.

But the truth is that God was setting limits for meting out justice. The punishment cannot be worse than the offense. 

In addition, the phrase was not to be taken literally. The Law of Moses actually set a standard of repayment in situations like this. Exodus 21:26 says, "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye." 

Also, keep in mind that focus here in Leviticus is on establishing community standards. What the legal structure was to be. Yes, it was legal to seek restitution for injuries inflicted. But in Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus addressed how individuals should react to such circumstances. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."

In this teaching, Jesus was telling us that when we are insulted or offended, we should not respond in kind. The phrase "to be slapped on the right cheek" was understood to be deeply insulted, not an actual physical attack. Jesus was not saying that we should not defend ourself if we are being physically attacked. 

Bible commentator William Barclay wrote, “Jesus is here saying that the true Christian has learned to resent no insult and to seek retaliation for no slight.” Jesus was called a glutton, a blasphemer, crazy, a drunk and an illegitimate child, yet He did not strike back. He responded with love.

Remember, these examples are referring to when we are insulted or otherwise “put upon”. 

Jesus was not saying that evil itself should not be resisted. He resisted evil, as when he overturned the tables in the Temple. Also, when he verbally shut down the religious hypocrites, which he called a “brood of snakes.” 

So "an eye for an eye" is not a requirement, but a limit. And it is for the civil authorities to enforce. We are to respond to slights and insults and impositions by showing love, not by seeking revenge or trying to get even. 

What is love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 sums it up nicely: 4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT)

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