Misquoted - "Eye for an Eye" - Exodus 21:24 - Tim Nay

LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

Eye for an EyeExodus 21:24
Tim Nay

Part of Misquoted
Context is Key

July 9, 2023

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, —Exodus 21:24

What We Think:
We are given permission from the Bible to seek revenge.

When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 26 “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. 27 If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth. —Exodus 21:22-27

Eye for an Eye Law
-given so people would be treated fair in their judgements
-given as a deterrent to evil
-was not given to give people license for personal revenge

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” —Matthew 5:38-4223 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. —Galatians 3:23-247 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! —1 Corinthians 6:7-8

Meaning of Matthew 5:38-42:
-Just because the Law gives you the right, does not mean you demand your right.

17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 20 To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-2112 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. —James 2:12-13

TAKEAWAY: Instead of revenge, be kind and forgive.

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32