Divine Justice or Mercy: Do the Scriptures Contradict?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 7:10 contradicts Ezekiel 18:23, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 5:44-45, Romans 12:19, Proverbs 24:17-18 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
Exploring the Bible, one might notice some seemingly contradictory messages about God's nature, especially concerning justice and mercy. Deuteronomy 7:10 suggests that God will actively and swiftly repay those who hate Him. It’s like the immediate consequence a child might face for deliberately touching a hot stove, highlighting a straightforward cause-and-effect scenario.
However, in contrast, other scriptures present a different perspective. Ezekiel 18:23 asks us to consider God's reluctance in taking pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, implying a more compassionate side. Imagine a teacher who sees potential in a troublesome student and chooses to guide them instead of expelling them.
Similarly, 2 Peter 3:9 highlights God's patience, expressing a desire for all to reach repentance rather than face hasty retribution. This mirrors the patience of a gardener who tends to a sick plant, hoping it will eventually thrive.
In the New Testament, Matthew 5:44-45 encourages loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute us, which seems to challenge the idea of direct retribution. Romans 12:19 echoes this by urging believers to leave vengeance to God, who will handle justice in His time and way. It’s a call to trust in a higher wisdom, like passengers trusting a seasoned pilot during turbulent weather.
Proverbs 24:17-18 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4 reinforce this merciful aspect, advising against rejoicing in an enemy's downfall and expressing God's desire for everyone's salvation. This could be compared to cheering for every team in a game, finding joy in everyone playing well rather than hoping for others to fail.
These differences prompt one to ponder: Is God's approach more about immediate justice or patient mercy? The Scriptures suggest that perhaps, like a complex melody, God’s nature harmonizes both justice and mercy in a way that goes beyond human understanding.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 7:10 | And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. |
| 2. | Ezekiel 18:23 | Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live? |
| 3. | 2 Peter 3:9 | The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. |
| 4. | Matthew 5:44-45 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 5. | 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. |
| 6. | Proverbs 24:17-18 | Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: |
| 7. | 1 Timothy 2:3-4 | For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; |