1 Answer
Vengeance = Deliverance
The English word vengeance is a principal translation of several Hebrew words related to the stem nqm and of ekdikeo (and cognates) in the Septuagint (or earliest Greek Old Testament) and in the New Testament. Behind the Hebrew usage of nqm stands a sense of the solidarity and integrity of the community which, having been damaged by an offense, must be restored by some deed of retaliation or punishment. The range of meaning of the motif, however, extends beyond “vengeance” and/or “punishment” to a sense of “deliverance.”
Human revenge against an enemy or enemies is demonstrated in a broad range of circumstances in the Old Testament documents (Genesis 4:23-24 ; Jeremiah 20:10 ). Samson's reaction to his enemies (Judges 15:7 ) is so described. Vengeance might be punishment directed toward another who has committed adultery with one's wife (Proverbs 6:32-34 ) or toward a whole ethnic group such as the Philistines (1 Samuel 18:25 ). On occasion, the enemies of the people of God are described as acting vengefully (Ezekiel 25:12 ,Ezekiel 25:12,25:15 ,Ezekiel 25:15,25:17 ). In the context of loving one's neighbor, human revenge toward fellow Hebrews was forbidden (Leviticus 19:17-18 ; compare Deuteronomy 32:35 ), but nqm may be used of legitimate punishment for a wrong ( Exodus 21:20 ; compare Exodus 21:23-25 ; Leviticus 24:19 ; Deuteronomy 19:21 ).
Read more http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T6394
11 years ago. Rating: 2 | |