Today's Scripture Reading (February 11, 2025): Numbers 31
"Vengeance" is a problematic word for me to get my head around. Part of my problem is that it is a concept that seems to be opposed to the idea of love. I admit that I sometimes have an unhealthy obsession with World War II and the Nuremberg trials. The question I struggle with is what is the appropriate penalty for Adolf Hitler and his key supporters? Was support for Hitler enough to get you executed? Is that how it should be; did Nuremberg get it right? The killing of the Jews and those who opposed Hitler are among some of the worst crimes ever committed on our little blue planet. But where should we draw the line in punishing the criminals?
Consider Robert Ley. He was an ardent supporter of Adolf Hitler right up until the very end. But his importance in Germany had declined since before the first bullet was fired in World War II. Yes, he had some unhealthy ideas, and he was also a drunk, quite likely a thief, as well as a hypocrite because he forbade those under him from the consumption of alcohol while he had a serious alcohol problem. But were any of these things enough that the man should be executed? Unfortunately, we will never know. Robert Ley committed suicide before the Nuremberg trials even began. But the ending of his life by hanging in his cell was part of the vengeance that the West had on Nazi Germany after the conclusion of the Second World War.
And it wasn't just those who did the deeds who died in our quest for vengeance. One picture from the last days of World War II that haunts me is a photograph of the dead bodies of Ernst Lisso, the deputy mayor of Leipzig, his wife Renate, and his daughter Regina. All three committed suicide as the American military entered the city on April 18, 1945. What is especially disturbing about the photo is that if you look closely at the picture, you will note that Regina is wearing an armband and a cap that seems to indicate that she was working for the German Red Cross, the agency that was giving aid to the wounded army and citizens of the city. Again, this was suicide, but when people fear vengeance, the fear itself is often enough to cause people to kill themselves, and many of those victims should never have died. The death of innocents or even those who live far from the decision-making powers of the nation does not make up for the death of innocents on the other side; they add to the injustice of the war.
Maybe all of this simply muddies the picture. Maybe there are times when vengeance is a necessary response; I don't know. But I can say this: I am more comfortable with God as the author of vengeance than I would be if I were the originator of the action. My judgment is too biased to be trusted in times of evil.
God tells Moses that there is one job left before he leaves his position of leadership, and that is vengeance on the tribes of Midian. It is not a vengeance that will result in territory or wealth for Israel. It is strictly because the Midianites had had an evil influence on Israel. It should be noted that Moses would not die immediately after this is concluded, but rather, several months later.
Concerning vengeance, I think Paul offers us the best advice for Christians living in our world.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Numbers 32
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