Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Isaiah 1:24 describes God taking vengeance on his enemies; isn’t it a sin to take revenge? Why does God avenge Himself but require us to forgive?

A:  This question gives me another opportunity to talk about the importance of distinctions and context when understanding Scripture. On its face Isaiah 1:24 seems to be a very harsh and vengeful statement from God (which is somewhat true!). But when we understand the big picture, it becomes easier to see how this passage fits with those which encourage individuals to forgive and withhold vengeance.

       Context first: as we read Isaiah 1:21-31 we need to remember God values justice very highly; He doesn’t want us to live in a world where the strong trample over the weak. He desires balance and righteousness to be evident, especially among His people. And in this passage God is calling out and condemning the injustice and immorality of Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. He threatens to exercise His responsibility as King of Kings to correct the situation if they do not make immediate changes.  

So Isaiah 1:24 was written in the context of rebellious governments and is an exercise of God’s responsibility to uphold justice upon the earth. And He does this by exercising His power impartially to return the wrong that an individual has done back upon their own heads. We can now turn to some of the passages that tell individuals in a religious context to forgive and refrain from taking vengeance. The first thing to notice is that passages such as Romans 12:19 tell us that one of the reasons we shouldn’t avenge ourselves is so God can carry out His program of perfect justice without interference. Personal attempts at correcting injustice actually get in the way of God’s process of perfect vengeance. So we must do our part: having patience and choosing forgiveness (Romans 12:18-21); this allows God to do what is necessary in His perfect way and timing, whether by showing mercy, withholding punishment for a time, or carrying out justice. Regardless, it is God’s responsibility to do precisely what the situation demands.

       Nowhere in the Bible are we told that vengeance is inherently evil, it is when we seek vengeance out of a heart full of bitterness and hatred that it becomes sin. Impartially repaying evil and rewarding good are fundamental functions of God’s justice (Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:6) and human government (Romans 13:3-4). To summarize, Christians are told to let go of bitterness and unforgiveness in our hearts (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; etc.) and trust in God and the systems He has set up to resolve the injustices of this world in His perfect way and timing.

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