The common perception that the God of the Old Testament is vastly different than the God of the New Testament is shown to be untrue. So, contrary to popular perception, love is emphasized in the Old Testament as it is in the New Testament. In fact, there are over 150 verses in the Old Testament that describe the love that God has for people. This love is not to be one-way, since the Old Testament tells the people to return this love by loving God. Love in the Old TestamentĪlthough the New Testament tends to be thought as emphasizing love more than the Old Testament, this is not necessarily true. The teaching seemed new only because the people had strayed from God's original instructions. This is why Jesus emphasized not taking one's own vengeance but doing good even to those who slight you. What is easier than doing payback against your neighbor when he does something against you? And one could cite the "eye for an eye" scripture as justification for one's actions (even though it really only applied to judgments by the legal system). Not only were the Hebrews commanded not to take vengeance on their own, and love their neighbors, but they were told to eschew hatred and evil and practice good. However, like most people, the Hebrews were susceptible to taking the easy way of "solving" their problems. In Israel, not only were serious crimes punished, but false accusation of serious crime against an innocent party was to be punished "eye for an eye" so that " those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you." Deuteronomy 18:20 Good vs. evil The authority to take an "eye for an eye" was never given to an individual, but always reserved for the legal system of the state. However, unlike Jesus' examples of slapping one on the cheek or making one carry a heavy load, these were serious crimes, such as assault against a pregnant woman and murder. For these kinds of crimes, judges were given the authority to determine guilt and punishment - no different than we do in modern society. Previous to Old Testament law, punishment for a crime was usually much more severe than the crime itself. In fact, it was the prescribed punishment for crimes committed by one person against another. So, where does this "eye for an eye" idea come from? It also comes from the Old Testament law. So, why did Jesus have to say it? Eye for an eye So, what Jesus said was not something brand new, but was already a part of Old Testament law. 19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.The command applied not only to one's Hebrew neighbors, but also to the foreigner or alien who resided among them: Not only did the Old Testament command the Hebrews to love their neighbor, but the same command also warned the them not to take vengeance on their own or even bear a grudge (thinking or acting badly against a neighbor). However, when Jesus said this, He was quoting directly from Old Testament law:ġ8 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. Many people who are unfamiliar with the Bible think that the command to love one's neighbor comes solely from the New Testament:ģ7 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.ģ8 This is the first and great commandment.ģ9 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Was Jesus changing the commands of the Old Testament or was He just restating what had already been commanded? Love your neighbor However, in speaking to the people of Israel, Jesus said that we should love even our enemies and do good to them:ģ8 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:ģ9 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.Ĥ3 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.Ĥ4 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 ( Matthew 5:38-39, 43-44 ) The Bible phrase "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" is a common perception of how the Old Testament deals with conflict between two parties.
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