THE BITTERNESS OF REVENGE
Hollywood has tried over and over to capitalize on the proverbial idea that “revenge is sweet.” The hero or heroine of the story has suffered greatly at the hands of a villain and may have to pursue the offender for an entire movie. But, in the end, they get to exact their revenge. The message so often portrayed is of the satisfaction this brings the victor. Think of how many movies employ this basic message.
The mantras are many: “I don’t get mad; I get even.” “Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge” (Scott Adams). “Sweet is revenge–especially to women” (Lord Byron). “Revenge is sweeter far than flowing honey” (Homer). “All the old knives that have rusted in my back, I drive in yours” (Phaedrus). They speak of the basic passion and unchecked desires of men enslaved to their flesh. There is no more worldly, sensual response that exacting revenge on one who has harmed us.
When I think of Bible characters most bent of revenge, Joab comes to mind. This son of Zeruiah was a professional soldier, but he repeatedly took the liberty to execute vengeance even when it was not his job to do so. He avenged his brother Asahel’s death by murdering Asahel’s killer (2 Sam. 3:27). He was the “logical” choice for David to employ to arrange the murder of Uriah the Hittite (2 Sam. 11:16-17). Though David explicitly asked Joab to “deal kindly” with his rebellious son, Absalom, Joab made himself judge, jury, and executioner by brutally murdering the helpless son (2 Sam. 18:5,11-14). After David replaced Joab with Amasa as commander of his army, Joab executed revenge by treacherously killing Amasa (2 Sam. 20:10ff). The dying David addressed his son, Solomon, and gave him various charges and duties. Among them, David stated, “Now you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed; he also shed the blood of war in peace. And he put the blood of war on his belt about his waist, and on his sandals on his feet. So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace” (1 Ki. 2:5-6). There was probably a grab for power involved, and certainly David was not the best example of leadership before Joab’s eyes. But, there was the distinct motive of revenge tinging Joab’s actions. There is no indication that his violent vengeance ever brought satisfaction, but it is unmistakeable that he who lived by his sword was destined to die by it.
When someone embarrasses us publicly or betrays our trust, friendship, or secrets, our anger may tempt us to take revenge. When someone hurts us, our natural instinct is to lash back at them. We may be afraid of losing face with others or we may just simply smart from the sting inflicted. Whatever the provocation, revenge is not the answer. Vengeance is a divine possession (Heb. 10:30). May we never be guilty of attempted robbery, trying to take from God what belongs to His perfect wisdom and judgment.
— Neal Pollard