An Eye For An Eye

Leviticus 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

King Hammurabi reigned in ancient Babylonia from 1792-1750 BC.

He was well favored by the people because he considered the pleasures and comforts of them rather than just himself and his noblemen.

King Hammurabi brought in a set of laws known as the Code Of Hammurabi.

Death was often a punishment for criminals for even the most minor offence.

Under this Code, people were considered innocent until proven guilty. When guilty, they were punished under the "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" method.

We see that the Bible shows this as well in the above verse.

Nowadays, people offend one-another continually. A great deal of these situations are not worthy of going to court over; so, what do we do with minor offenses?

Jesus outlines it clearly:

Matthew 5:38-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

We need to learn how to turn away from those who are bent on evil.

When we oppose them, their (heart) condition worsens, and the stubbornness of their hearts harden towards us.

Although their hatred is not necessarily our problem, we still need to address the difference between what is holy, and what is profane.

When disagreements arise, It's usually "I'm right", "no, I'm right". God's Word is the only authority because truth is right and it doesn't pick a side.

Ezekiel 44:23-24 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

This passage shows us that when disputes arise, everyone involved stands in judgment, and it is only those whose hearts are humble before God's authority that will show forth to be clean, and walk out from under God's judgement. So remember, an eye for an eye only sees the outside - not the person's heart, which is what matters to God the most.

God Bless,

Maria