Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the promised land of Canaan, Moses recited a song in praise of God (Deuteronomy 32:1-43). Speaking of those who oppose God, Moses quoted God’s perspective on them: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (verse 35). In other words, the wicked will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7). It is not up to men to pay back the wicked for their deeds, for vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19).

Once their father, Jacob, had died, Joseph might have been tempted to exact revenge on his brothers. But he didn’t. Years before Moses spoke about vengeance belonging to God, Joseph seemed to have understood that important truth: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” He knew that any judgment or retribution for evil must come from God alone, not from man. To seek vengeance on another person is to put ourselves in the place of God to whom judgment belongs.

Vengeance is a carnal, common response when we have been wronged. If you have been wronged, meditate on Paul’s expansion of this theme in Romans 12:17-21.

The instinct of retribution is the strongest instinct of the human heart.
Augustus H. Strong