Divine Justice or Forgiveness? A Biblical Paradox
In this article, you will learn how Nehemiah 4:5 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Romans 12:14, Proverbs 24:17, 1 Peter 3:9, Luke 23:34, Romans 12:19 and Ephesians 4:32. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is often seen as a cohesive guide for living a moral life, but it sometimes presents ideas that appear contradictory, challenging believers to reflect deeply on their faith. A particular inconsistency is found in the teachings on how to treat one's enemies.
In Nehemiah 4:5, we see Nehemiah's prayer to God, asking Him not to forgive his enemies' sins. The context here paints a vivid picture of a leader deeply troubled by opposition to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. It’s as if Nehemiah is calling for divine justice against those who dared to obstruct a sacred mission.
However, this plea seems at odds with numerous New Testament teachings. Matthew 5:44 encourages believers to love their enemies and pray for them. Similarly, Luke 6:27 instructs followers to do good to those who harbor hatred against them. These verses promote a radical response of love, directly contradicting Nehemiah's entreaty for retribution.
Romans 12:14 advises blessing persecutors, further emphasizing a path of peace rather than vengeance. Proverbs 24:17 advises against celebrating when your enemy fails, challenging Nehemiah’s desire for unresolved hostility. Meanwhile, 1 Peter 3:9 advocates for repaying evil with blessing, opposing Nehemiah’s call for accountability without forgiveness.
Even more striking is Jesus’ example in Luke 23:34, where He asks forgiveness for those crucifying Him, epitomizing ultimate grace. Romans 12:19 calls for leaving vengeance in God's hands, and Ephesians 4:32 urges kindness and forgiveness towards others.
These teachings push us to ponder: should justice be sought like Nehemiah or should mercy rule, as taught by Jesus and His apostles? Analogous to a judge balancing justice with mercy, believers today are encouraged to navigate these tensions to embody both truth and grace in their walk of faith.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nehemiah 4:5 | And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders. |
| 2. | Matthew 5:44 | 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; |
| 3. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 4. | Romans 12:14 | Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. |
| 5. | Proverbs 24:17 | Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: |
| 6. | 1 Peter 3:9 | Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. |
| 7. | Luke 23:34 | Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. |
| 8. | 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. |
| 9. | Ephesians 4:32 | And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. |