Wednesday Night Bible Class
Vengeance
For
June 17, 2026 Bible Study
Vengeance
Vengeance- infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge:
a. Featured Texts
Leviticus 24:10-22
Commentary: These verses are often misused to indicate that vengeance is justifiable. God was instructing Moses about an application of his law. God was the one passing judgement through his vessel Moses. God was the one taking vengeance not man. God was taking about judgement not retaliation.
I. Forbidden
a. Leviticus 19:18
b. Psalm 94:1
c. Romans 12:17-19
Commentary: God clearly states vengeance belongs to the Almighty. Man, is not to seek vengeance but to apply the law God has set forth to deal with situations.
II. Not the will of Christ
a. Luke 9:54,55
Commentary: James and John, the sons of Thunder were ready to call fire down upon the town as punishment for the way Christ and the disciples were being treated. Christ rebukes them saying why would he destroy the people he has come to save.
III. Man’s vengeance from a spiteful heart
a. Ezekiel 25:14-15
Commentary: Old hatred can cause one to seek vengeance long after the original deed is ancient history. Hatred can make us hang on to grudges that are best left in the past. Christians must remember to wait on God. God will provide the needed correction.
IV. God’s choice
a. Ezekiel 25:16,17
Commentary: The verses clearly show that vengeance belongs to God and God will execute that vengeance as God sees fit.
b. Jonah 3:8-10, 4:1,2
Commentary: Jonah was angry with God because God stayed his hand. Jonah knew God would be merciful if there was a change of heart by the city. God forsook his vengeance against the city.
V. Man’s vengeance
a. Simeon & Levi
i. Genesis 34:1—7, 13, 25-31
Commentary: The sons of Jacob devised a plan to get vengeance for their sister not taking into consideration the consequences it would hold for Jacob.
b. Absalom
i. 2 Samuel 13:23-29
Commentary: Absalom wanted revenge for the defilement of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Absalom waited two years to hatch his vengeance plot. Absalom was not concerned with the consequences of his actions.
c. Samson
i. Judges 16:25-30
Commentary: Samson’s final wish was for vengeance. Samson wanted to avenge the lost of his eyes. Samson did not see salvation. His simply wanted to bring retribution to his enemies.
VI. Instructions to the Saints
a. Matthew 5:38-44
b. 1 Peter 3:9
c. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Commentary: Christians are not to seek vengeance. Christians are to love and forgive their enemies. Christians are to meet evil with good.
Quote for Introspection:
“He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself”
Chinese Proverb
