Numbers 35:20-21
“And if out of sheer hatred a man pushes another or from ambush throws something at him and he dies, or angrily hits him with his fist and kills him, that’s murder—he must be put to death. The avenger has a right to kill him when he gets him.”
“So if someone hates another persona and waits in ambush, then pushes him or throws something at him and he dies, it is murder. Or if someone hates another person and hits him with a fist and he dies, it is murder. In such cases, the avenger must put the murderer to death when they meet.”
These verses are addressing something other than vengeance though one could argue they have the same root word. I see the value God places on human life and his hatred of sin. Destroying man, God’s image bearer, is ultimate destruction and defies God’s intention in creation. God gives life. Satan seeks to destroy it. Failing to provide justice for one murdered soul reduces everyone’s worth, including ours. We value life by administering justice.
Lord, forgive us. Convict us of the evil within and the necessity of facing it with the redeeming power of the cross.