An Eye for an Eye.

Now looking at Deuteronomy 19:21, it says:

“Your eye shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Many people misinterpret this verse, especially in light of Jesus' teachings. They assume that Christ was opposing this principle, as though He was advocating for leniency in all situations. However, that’s a misunderstanding of the context.

In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking in legal terms—in the context of courts and civil justice. The principle of "eye for eye" refers to proportional justice, not personal revenge. It was designed to ensure fairness in legal judgment.

On the other hand, Jesus, in Matthew 5, was teaching about personal conduct—how we should live in our daily interactions. He taught that we should not retaliate or repay evil with evil, but instead live with forgiveness, humility, and grace.

So the difference is this:

• Moses addresses the justice system and how courts should operate.

• Jesus addresses personal morality and how individuals should treat one another.

Once a matter is brought before a judge or legal system, justice must be carried out. Mercy in daily life is encouraged—but not at the expense of justice in court.

In Proverbs 31:4–5, King Lemuel’s mother warns:

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.”

This shows that rulers and judges must maintain clear judgment and not allow emotions or impairment to interfere with justice.

Numbers 35:31 states clearly:

“Moreover, you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death.”

God’s justice is not lenient. Sin is always punished—either on the sinner or through a substitute. That substitute was Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and paid the full penalty with His own blood.

As Dr. J. Vernon McGee put it:

“Either your sin is in Christ, or it is in you.”

This means no sin goes unpunished—mercy was extended through judgment, when Christ took the punishment in our place.

In Matthew 5:19, Jesus affirms the law:

“Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus didn’t abolish the Law of Moses—He fulfilled it. He upheld the law's righteousness and showed how it should be lived out from the heart.

In Matthew 5:25–26, Jesus also refers to legal justice:

“Agree with your adversary quickly while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Here, He warns of the consequences of unresolved disputes. There is no hint that He dismissed the need for legal judgment—rather, He recognized and upheld its role.

In conclusion:

• Justice is essential for any functioning society.

• Forgiveness is for personal relationships.

• But in public life and law, there must be a legal system.
  Without justice, anarchy prevails.Thank you.

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