Bible Reading: Exodus 21:23-25
Have you ever wondered where the expression, “an eye for an eye,” came from?
That expression has its roots in today’s verse. This verse reads, “But if there is serious
injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” (Emphasis added.) It was a part of the Old Testament law that God gave to the Israelite people. It was connected specifically to those times when one person physically harmed another person.
This law was intended to protect servants from physical abuse at the hands of their masters by ensuring that the punishment of a servant fit whatever crime the servant had committed.
It was intended to keep people from taking the law into their own hands and seeking revenge. Instead, God expected (and still expects) his people to forgive those who injure them and leave the punishment of those people to God. He has promised to do whatever is necessary to punish anyone who physically injures another person.
Are you a “take matters into your own hands” kind of person or are you willing to let God “take care of matters” for you?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:38 & 44
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust You to take care of me…and to take care of those who hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.