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Daily Devotions

The Law of Retaliation

By February 20, 2017No Comments

Read Leviticus 24:10-23

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

Even if they do not know where it is found, most people seem to know this is a statement in the Bible. It is known as the Law of Retaliation; the basic principle is that the punishment must fit the crime. Not all appreciate this law; to them it seems cruel and unjust. They question how a God of love could have given it, but it must be remembered He is also a God of justice. The justice of this law actually demonstrates mercy and compassion. The Law of Retaliation helped to restrain personal revenge, and kept people from dispensing punishment more severe than the crime. Today the balance between punishments that are too light or severe is still maintained by the same principle. This principle also still keeps people from taking the law into their own hands. When courts do not observe it through light judgments they threaten this God-given balance in society.

Lord, although as a rebellious people we often question your laws, yet we find them filled with wisdom and necessary to our protection and the overall balance of society. Even when my understanding of them falls short, help me trust you by following them.