Days of vengeance.

Vengeance in the Hands of God

The Bible emphasizes that vengeance belongs exclusively to God. This foundational principle is clearly articulated in Romans 12:19:

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19, KJV)

Here, Apostle Paul admonishes believers not to take revenge into their own hands but to trust in God’s justice. The passage underscores that human beings are not meant to execute ultimate justice, as our perspectives are inherently flawed and limited.

Instead, believers are called to rely on God’s righteous judgment.

The topic of avenging is one that has permeated human history and culture, often depicted in literature, film, and even in day-to-day life. However, the Bible, which has profoundly influenced Western thought and morality, offers a unique perspective on vengeance.

This post aims to explore the theme of vengeance as presented in various Bible passages, focusing on the reconciliation, justice, and judgment that underpin this complex topic.

Luke 21 records the last of Jesus' teachings before the Last Supper, His arrest, and His crucifixion. Luke 21:1–4 fits well with the themes of Luke 19:28—20:47. Luke 21:5–11 describes how false messiahs, war, and natural disasters will become normal.

Luke 21:12–24 prophesies challenges prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Luke 21:25–28 moves to the tribulation. Luke 21:29–36 is Jesus' instructions about the disciples' lives and ministries with respect to the delayed kingdom.

Luke 21:37–38 is a note about Jesus' schedule in the days between the triumphal entry and His arrest.

Luke 21:22 - "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."

Luke 21:22 ( KJV) states, "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." This verse is part of a larger passage in the Gospel of Luke that focuses on Jesus' predictions of the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of the end times.

In this verse, Jesus is warning his disciples about the coming judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Luke 21:20–24 answers the disciples' question regarding what signs will precede the destruction of the temple (Luke 21:6–7). Jesus reveals that all Jerusalem will be destroyed. This happened decades after Jesus' ascension, during the Roman attack in AD 70.

Jesus' next prophecy skips the church age and covers His return at the end of the tribulation (Luke 21:25–28), mentioning the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24) but not providing specific details.

Matthew 24:15–20 and Mark 13:14–18 also record Jesus' words about the destruction of Jerusalem.

The theme of judgment and prophecy fulfillment is central to this verse. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks about the kingdom of God and the future fulfillment of God's plan. In this particular passage, Jesus is referring to the imminent destruction of Jerusalem, which took place in AD 70 when the Roman army destroyed the city and the Jewish temple.

Jesus' words serve as a warning to his disciples and a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God's commands.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus describes the signs that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. He also warns his followers that they will face trials and tribulations, but they should not be afraid because God will be with them.

Jesus' words reflect the belief that the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem are part of God's plan for the world and are necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy.

The symbolism in this verse is also important to note. The "days of vengeance" refer to the time of judgment and punishment that will come upon the people of Jerusalem.

This is a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God and failing to heed his warnings. The reference to "all things which are written" indicates that these events are part of God's overarching plan for the world, and they are a fulfillment of the prophecies found in the Old Testament.

In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the concept of divine justice. The "days of vengeance" represent the time when God will set things right and bring judgment upon those who have acted unjustly.

It serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control of history and will bring about justice in his own time.

Luke 21:22 ( KJV) is a verse that highlights the themes of judgment, prophecy fulfillment, and divine justice. It serves as a warning to Jesus' disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the need to remain faithful to God in the face of trials and tribulations.

The context of the verse, as well as the symbolism it contains, adds depth to its meaning and reinforces the belief in God's sovereignty and ultimate plan for the world. Ultimately, this verse is a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God and trusting in his ultimate purpose for humanity.

This passage describes the fall of Jerusalem, as told to Jesus' disciples. In Matthew and Mark's parallel accounts, the wording shows a double-fulfillment, culminating in the tribulation (Matthew 24:21–22; Mark 13:19–20).

Luke limits his account to the first fulfillment: the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in AD 70 (Luke 21:24).

That makes this verse a little difficult. What prior prophecy does AD 70 fulfill? The Old Testament doesn't have anything specific about this destruction of Jerusalem, but it does contain general warnings.

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 follow the format of the Hittite Suzerain treaty: identification of the ruler, description of the ruler's acts, obligations of the ruler and the people, promised blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience, and closure.

Included in the consequences is the promise that if the Israelites reject their God, God will destroy their cities and sanctuaries, devastate the land, send them into exile, and cause such starvation that people will eat their own children (Leviticus 26:27–33).

All this happened during the war with the Romans in AD 66–70 (Josephus, Jewish War, 6.3.4).

At the time of Jesus' crucifixion, ironically, the Jews had been relatively faithful to God. The Roman government even gives them special dispensation so they aren't required to worship the Greco-Roman gods or the emperor.

But, as a nation, they reject Jesus as their Messiah and the Son of God. Their Savior has come, and they crucify Him (Luke 19:41–44).

This is the story of AD 70, but it's not the end. In the end of the treaty in Leviticus 26:40–42, God says:

"But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in their treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me, so that I walked contrary to them and brought them into the land of their enemies—if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember my covenant with Jacob, and I will remember my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land."

When the "times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (Luke 21:24), at the tribulation, the Jews will accept their Messiah; He will come to them and rescue them from the powers of the Antichrist.

He will be their king and they will be His people (Revelation 19:11–16). We still look forward with hope to that written promise.

Fulfillment of Divine Justice

The Bible often speaks of a future time when God's justice will be fully realized. This eschatological view suggests a moment in history when divine retribution will occur. Luke 21:22 encapsulates this idea:

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Luke 21:22, KJV)

This passage refers to the end times, a period often associated with God's final judgment. This ultimate day of reckoning serves as a reminder that divine justice, albeit delayed, is inevitable and comprehensive.

Human Desire for Revenge

Despite being advised against personal vengeance, the Bible acknowledges the human impulse to seek justice against wrongs. The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:3 provides an insightful look into this aspect:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. (Luke 18:3, KJV)

The widow’s plea for justice reflects a legitimate desire for rectification of wrongs. In this parable, Jesus teaches about the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God's justice. The lesson is not about the widow taking action herself but rather seeking divine intervention.

The Nature of God's Vengeance

Scripture outlines that God’s vengeance is not arbitrary or capricious but stems from His righteous character. Hebrews 10:30 reflects this sentiment:

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (Hebrews 10:30, KJV)

This passage confirms that God's vengeance is rooted in His perfect justice. It reassures believers that God's judgment is fair and measured.

The Final Judgment

The Book of Revelation provides vivid imagery of God's final judgment and the ultimate retribution against evil. Revelation 19:2 emphasizes the righteousness of God’s judgments:

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. (Revelation 19:2, KJV)

This verse acknowledges the moral decay and wickedness prevalent in human societies and God's eventual rectification of these injustices. It also highlights that God's vengeance serves a dual purpose of punishment and purification.

Vengeance and Believers

Interestingly, while God reserves ultimate vengeance for Himself, believers are sometimes called to enact elements of divine justice when directed by Him. For instance, 2 Corinthians 10:6 states:

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:6, KJV)

This passage suggests that believers, under divine guidance, may take action against disobedience, provided they are aligned with God’s will. This, however, should not be mistaken for personal vendettas but rather seen as a commitment to uphold God’s standards.

The concept of vengeance, as explored in the Bible, is complex and multifaceted. The recurring theme is a clear demarcation: vengeance belongs to God, and humans are not to take matters into their own hands.

Trusting in divine justice rather than human retribution fosters a culture of patience, forgiveness, and ultimate faith in God's righteous judgment.