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Leviticus 24 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
When I read the “eye for an eye” passage, I immediately think of the Sermon on the Mount.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41 “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:38-42 NASB
The question I get asked a lot is, “Do we just let people walk all over us?” How can we find balance in this commandment? Jesus did not necessarily reject the idea of judgment or punishment with His statement. We have to remember that in many of Jesus’ teachings, He was getting to the root issue. Later in this passage, he basically says, “You have heard that adultery is wrong, but that divorce is permitted.” Then He illustrates how divorce and remarriage is actually another form of adultery.
I don’t believe Jesus is advocating for us to let others walk all over us. I think when you read the rest of the Bible in context, it is very clear (even in the NT) that punishment and consequences follow improper actions. The point Jesus is making here is that the Christian does not live a tit-for-tat lifestyle. Paul illustrates this when he describes love as “not keeping a record of wrongs.” Jesus said we should forgive others 70×7 times (a metaphor for no limit). The NT is full of challenging commands that encourage us to forgive others.
Forgiveness, however, does not mean that we have no boundaries. This is illustrated very powerfully and clearly in Scripture for the person who continually rejects Jesus. At the final judgment, they will face the wrath of God even though forgiveness was fully offered to them. We can forgive someone and love them while also setting healthy boundaries. The Holy Spirit will guide us in these matters as we allow Him to inhabit the darkest places of our hearts. He will check our motives and guide us in all truth.