The term "Revenger of Blood" refers to a specific role within the ancient Israelite legal system, as outlined in the Old Testament. This role is primarily discussed in the context of the laws concerning manslaughter and murder, where the "revenger of blood" (also known as the "avenger of blood") is a close relative of a person who has been killed. The primary responsibility of the revenger of blood was to ensure justice by pursuing the killer, particularly in cases of intentional murder.

Biblical Context

The concept of the revenger of blood is rooted in the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution, which is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law. The role is first introduced in the Book of Numbers: "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him" (Numbers 35:19). This passage underscores the responsibility of the revenger to act as an executor of justice, ensuring that the sanctity of life is upheld by avenging unlawful bloodshed.

Cities of Refuge

To balance the pursuit of justice with mercy, the Mosaic Law also established cities of refuge. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had committed manslaughter unintentionally. Numbers 35:11-12 states, "Select cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly" . The cities of refuge served as a protective measure against the revenger of blood, ensuring that due process was followed and that the accused had the opportunity to stand trial.

Legal and Moral Implications

The role of the revenger of blood highlights the importance of family responsibility and the communal nature of justice in ancient Israel. It reflects a legal system where the family played a central role in maintaining social order and justice. However, the provision for cities of refuge indicates a recognition of human fallibility and the need for a fair trial, preventing the cycle of vengeance from escalating into further bloodshed.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the concept of the revenger of blood underscores the seriousness with which God views the shedding of innocent blood. It reflects the divine mandate for justice while also pointing to the need for mercy and protection for those who may have caused harm unintentionally. The balance between justice and mercy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the New Testament through the work of Jesus Christ, who embodies both perfect justice and mercy.

New Testament Reflection

While the specific role of the revenger of blood is not directly carried over into the New Testament, the principles of justice and mercy continue to be emphasized. Jesus' teachings often focus on forgiveness and reconciliation, moving beyond the retributive justice system of the Old Testament. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:19, echoes this sentiment: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" . This shift highlights the transition from human-administered justice to divine justice, entrusting God with the ultimate judgment and retribution.Revenger Of Blood

He who avenged the blood of one who had been killed. The nearest relative of the deceased became the authorized avenger of blood. (Numbers 35:19) The law of retaliation was not to extend beyond the immediate offender. (24:16; 2 Kings 14:6; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Jeremiah 31:29,30; Ezekiel 18:20)

Rom. xiii. 1
... "For he is the minister of God to execute wrath, a revenger upon him ... of an iujured
and despised lover, and says, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii rom xiii 1.htm

Antichrist in the Psalms
... another of his opponents will fall before him: through a sea of blood will he ... 2).
The Enemy and the Avenger, more literally "the Foe and the Revenger," are two ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm

Of Civil Government.
... hurt or destroy," how can magistrates be at once pious and yet shedders of blood? ...
in vain," says Paul, "for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )
... I wonder if the man who does not blush at such pretensions has any blood in his
body ... not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm

Rejection of Christianity.
... What knew they of grace, of redemption, of justification, of the blood of Christ
shed ... the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv rejection of christianity.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... of the children of Israel' (Deuteronomy 32:8), for as he 'made of one blood all
nations ... the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... plainly that God is not a favorable Father, but a wrathful revenger of sins ... not rest
until they slay their righteous brother Abel, wherefore the blood of Christ ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... be understood that God does it by just judgment, as a just judge and revenger. ... we
are fed in his Church, oftentimes, with his flesh and blood, unto everlasting ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened,
... And indeed I may say of these, as our Lord said of the Pharisees in another case,
all the blood of the ignorant, from the beginning of the world, shall be laid ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a vindication of gospel truths.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... not able to give better satisfaction for breaking God's laws, than by breaking our
own hearts; this is all that we can do of that kind; for the blood of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

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