An Eye For An Eye?

      In Leviticus 23, while the LORD commands further details of perpetual offerings, there was striving in the camp. One man was half-Israelite and half-Egyptian; one man was an Israelite. While they strove (hun natsah), the half-Israelite blasphemed (bqn naqab) the name of the LORD and cursed (llq qalal).

       Being that I love to look at names and their meanings, I looked up the name of this man’s mother. Her name was Shelomith, which means “peaceful,” from the Hebrew Shalom. She was the daughter of Dibri (“my word”), from the tribe of Dan (“a judge”). We don’t know anything about the father of this man, other than he was Egyptian. Did he stay in Egypt? Was Shelomith his slave, or was she free? We simply don’t know and we can’t speculate. At least we shouldn’t speculate, but it is kind of fun.

       The people take the man and bring him to Moses. They rmvm mishmar -d him (put him in confinement or prison) until the mind (hp peh or mouth) of the LORD could be shown (vrp parash or made clear) to them. Here again, we don’t know how long this took. Did Moses use the Urim and Thummin? I think probably not, since God usually spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend (Exodus 33:11).

       The LORD does speak to Moses. All who heard the man curse will lay their hands on his head. Then the whole congregation will stone him. Furthermore, others who do this will meet this end, whether Israelite or stranger. It’s that important to not blaspheme and curse God.

       [This deepens the meaning of what it meant when Job’s wife suggested that Job “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). It appears that she gave up all hope of his recovery and thought he’d be better off dead.]

       While speaking this, God then introduces the “eye for an eye” principle.

       I’m sure you’ve seen on facebook or seen on bumper stickers the saying, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” I couldn’t disagree more.

       First, equality of treatment and showing no favoritism is mandated when meting out the Law. Remember Leviticus 19.

       Second, “an eye for an eye” prevents the taking of vengeance or acting in anger toward another. It limits retaliation. One eye for one eye, not two eyes for one eye.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

       Third, this almost clinical approach isn’t necessarily done by the wounded party. Note the passive wording “it shall be done” below:

19:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

    Now, to be exegetical about this: is this rule only for the Israelites in that time period? Do I go out and whack someone who whacks me in the head? If someone at work throws me under the bus, do I do the same to her?

I’m glad you asked.

Until next time, shalom.