An Eye for an Eye

You no doubt have heard the old expression “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. The idea is that people should be punished according to the way in which they offended, for example if they hurt someone, they should be hurt equally badly in return.

You no doubt also know Jesus talked about an eye for an eye in Matthew chapter 5.

But did you know how old this law really is?

““You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’” Matthew 5:38 NIV

Jesus was quoting from the Old Testament, and the thinking was very much different than what He was preaching in His Day. Back in Moses day, it was all about, “…if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” Exodus 21:23-25 ESV

But did you know this law is even older than that?

The concept of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" can be traced back to The Code of Hammurabi which was established by King Hammurabi of Babylon around 1754 BCE, well before Moses.

According to britannica dot com, The Code of Hammurabi, the most complete and perfect extant collection of Babylonian laws, developed during the reign of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE) of the 1st dynasty of Babylon.

These 282 case laws include economic provisions (prices, tariffs, trade, and commerce), family law (marriage and divorce), as well as criminal law (assault, theft) and civil law (slavery, debt). Penalties varied according to the status of the offenders and the circumstances of the offenses. The principal (and only considerable) source of the Code of Hammurabi is the stela discovered at Susa in 1901 by the Jean-Vincent Scheil and is now preserved in the Louvre. (Pictured)

But Jesus had a new message: “…If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:39-42 NIV

Jesus was a revolutionary and His topics and messages were revolutionary. He was a rebel!

Jesus indeed challenged conventional norms and brought a new perspective on how people should treat each other and respond to various situations.

In the passage from Matthew chapter 5, often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes beyond the literal interpretation of "an eye for an eye" and encourages a higher standard of behavior. He promotes the concepts of forgiveness, non-retaliation, and love even towards those who might be considered enemies or wrongdoers.

Jesus wants our mindset to be a more compassionate and empathetic one. Jesus' message is centered on concepts like humility, selflessness, and the willingness to go above and beyond what might be expected.

By advocating love for enemies and turning the other cheek, our Savior aimed to challenge the cycle of violence and negativity that can spread when people respond to harm with more harm. You cannot put out fire with fire. Instead, He said, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Romans 12:14 ESV

This revolutionary approach to ethics and morality has had a profound impact on Christianity and has influenced how people think about conflict resolution, forgiveness, and treating others with compassion. It represents a call to strive for a higher moral standard.

““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:43-44 ESV

Go ahead, show your love.

by Jeanette Stark – Friday, August 11, 2023