"Avenge Not Yourselves, Beloved"

by J. Bell, Vancouver, B.C. | Category: General | May 1966

This phrase, found in Romans 12.19, follows the words, "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men." If all men took this as a standard of life, what a different world it would be! As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we should be different from men of the world and be living examples of the verse quoted. The word avenge implies that which flows out of justice. God's actions are justly founded and stand in contrast to those of men acting in retaliation or seeking their "pound of flesh".

With these thoughts in mind, please read 1 Samuel chapters 25 and 26. k chapter 25 we find David in circumstances in which he felt it was quite in order to avenge himself. He and his followers had been located near the possessions of the wealthy Israelite, Nabal. Because of their presence, Nabal's flocks and possessions were protected from thieves and robbers and Nabal was blessed thereby. God has ever taught His people that they should appreciate blessings and kindnesses received, and that in return they should show their appreciation in a practical way. Each one of us has known the rich blessings of the Lord in both spiritual and temporal experiences. Have we shown our appreciation to the same degree as His kindness deserves?

Possibly, with thoughts such as these and knowing that Nabal was a prosperous man, David felt it opportune to seek recompense for kindnesses shown. But Nabal was not appreciative and could only think of himself and his possessions. He flatly refused the message of David and spoke disparagingly of the LORD'S anointed. News of this brought determination, on the part of David, to avenge himself. He would have carried out his intentions, and no doubt justified his actions had not Nabal's wife, Abigail (described as a woman of good understanding), intervened and cast herself on David's mercy. What a blessing to have friends like Abigail (of good understanding) who, at sacrifice to themselves, are willing to do all possible to prevent others from behaving in such a way as to mar their lives for the Lord! One wonders what David's thoughts were as he turned back from his meeting with Abigail. He was on his way to give Nabal what he richly deserved. What if the LORD had brought upon David all that was his due? May we all pause and consider, what if God should have allowed all we deserved? It will help to mellow our thoughts on many occasions.

The picture changes in chapter 26. David and Abishai are found in circumstances where they have at their mercy the man who, with his armed followers, had sought David's life and hunted him as a partridge in caves and upon the mountains. King Saul, sound asleep, lay before them. Abishai weighs up the matter with the words, "God hath delivered up thine enemy into thine hand this day" (verse 8); then, as if to spare David and manifest his zeal for him, he asks permission to slay Saul with one stroke. It is possible that David's answer was prompted by his experience with Nabal and Abigail (but see verses 9 and 11). Was it time for David to avenge himself? No! David was willing to let the LORD avenge in righteousness. His action that followed was sufficient to heap coals of fire upon the head of Saul, who returned home an ashamed man, acknowledging David was more righteous than he.

May we all profit by our experiences in spiritual things. To avenge ourselves will only bring sad regrets; we should be gracious and humble in our approach, and allow the LORD to work out His will in all our circumstances. Beloved, let us profit by David's example and learn the LORD's way.

Finally, let us remember that the Lord has said, "Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense" (Hebrews 10.30). Let us follow the steps of the blessed Master, of whom Peter could write from personal experience. "Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2.21-23).

J. Bell, Vancouver, B.C. | May 1966
General