Day 172, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Kings 9; 2Chronicles 22:7-9; 2Kings 10:1-27
Avenging Wrongs
A child may get into a fight with a bully and come out the loser. He has a black eye, and in the scuffle, the mean kid ruins his lunch. The injured child may want revenge. When he goes home, his parent or parents are upset, and they want the bully punished.
When we avenge wrongs, we try to hurt people who have unjustly treated us or others. We may decide to take revenge physically or by other means. Is that okay?
Should We Take Revenge?
Taking revenge ourselves can make us just as bad as the offender and just as liable. We may even get arrested. Somehow, the excuse that we are avenging a wrong is supposed to justify our behavior. A better choice is to bring our complaint before higher powers (in civil cases, that means our local governing officials, see Romans 13:1-4). In his letter to the Romans, Paul instructs us,Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:17-19 NIV).Well, what about God—doesn’t this verse say that he takes vengeance on his enemies? Yes, he does, but it’s not revenge; it has no part with malice or bitterness. God exercises justice for wrongs or oppression done upon his people; God is perfect. The LORD is merciful, gracious, and extremely patient, giving people time to turn to him from their sins before taking action. However, he’s also a God of justice, righteousness, and holiness. When his enemies don’t change, he avenges himself on them. As we learned in yesterday’s Bible study, God is particularly offended by those who don’t respect his servants.
When does God Take Vengeance?
In today’s Bible reading, we learn about how God takes vengeance on Queen Jezebel and King Ahab’s family. King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, is an evil woman and worshipper of Baal. She’s murdered many of the LORD’s prophets. God will now take vengeance upon her and Ahab’s family for killing his prophets and for killing and taking possession of Naboth and his vineyard.
The LORD gave this vineyard to Naboth’s family for an inheritance when Israel conquered the inhabitants of Canaan. It belonged to Naboth. So, when Ahab asked him to sell it to him, Naboth refused. Jezebel thought her husband should have anything he wants. After all, he’s king. Then Jezebel has Naboth framed, saying that he cursed God and the king. This was a death sentence. Because of this wrongful death, Elijah, the prophet, sends King Ahab a message from the LORD, a proclamation of judgment. When Ahab hears his death sentence, he repents.
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.” (1Kings 21:27-29, NIV)God is merciful to him and postpones his punishment. What the LORD did for Ahab, he often does with others who are ungodly; he gives them time to be genuinely sorry and turn to him from their evil ways. If they don't, they'll likewise suffer for them (Obadiah 1:15; Luke 13:3; more...).
However, Ahab’s sons follow his wicked ways and don't repent. The time for revenge has come.
This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:
"I anoint you [Jehu] king over the LORD's people Israel. You are to destroy the house of Ahab your master, and I will avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the LORD's servants shed by Jezebel. The whole house of Ahab will perish. I will cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel-- slave or free. I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah.
As for Jezebel, dogs will devour her on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and no one will bury her.’ Then he [the messenger sent by Elisha] opened the door and ran” (2Kings 9:6-10, NIV).
God chose Jehu to carry out justice, and this is just what he does. Jehu kills King Joram, Ahab’s son, and then he kills King Ahaziah of Judah for allying with Joram. Afterward, Jehu kills Jezebel and all of Ahab’s descendants and even those who work with him. All this follows the Word of the LORD to Elijah the prophet (2Kings 10:17 and 1Kings 21:19-24).
After that, through cunning trickery, Jehu kills all the prophets of Baal at a sacrifice to “honor” their false god. Afterward, Jehu tears down the temple of Baal, and it becomes a latrine.
Have we, the people of God by faith in Jesus Christ, suffered injustice, injury, and loss? God repays those who have injured us if they don’t repent. However, Jesus Christ instructs us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NV). The Apostle Peter urges us to “commit yourselves to your faithful Creator and continue to do good works.” (1 Peter 4:19, NIV)
Discussion
How does God feel about those who don't respect his servants?
Should we avenge ourselves? Why or why not?
Does God immediately take revenge on those who do wrong? Why or why not?
What can we do when someone persecutes us or treats us unjustly?
Focus Verse
Romans 12:19 (NIV) “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
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Looking Ahead: If we make a commitment to the LORD, how do we make it stick?
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