Saturday, June 30, 2007

By the sevens

Vengeance tends to expand with attention, gaining on a life of its own as we take it seriously. Take a look at Lamech, for example.

Lamech was the bold grandson of Cain, the first recorded polygamist and a quick-tempered braggard who killed a young man for wounding him. His was the second murder that we read in Genesis, but Lamech took no shame in the act.

His was pride: he’d outdone Cain. Where Cain had avenged himself seven times, Lamech had one-upped him: seventy-seven times.

Cain had only one murder to his name, but Lamech praised Cain for properly avenging his name. Use of “seven” indicated whole or complete. But if Cain did a good job in seeking vengeance, then Lamech had done even better: seventy-seven times, meaning unsurpassed completeness.

Lamech boasted of his conquest: If Cain is avenged seven times,
then Lamech seventy-seven times."
(Gen 4:24)

That’s how vengeance works. Always there’s the intent to even the score but it’s never evened. Vengeance is a greedy monster, taking more and more.

But the Bible is full of contrasts. Where there’s hatred, there’s love. Into defeat comes hope. Into loss comes life. And into vengeance comes forgiveness.

Jesus discussed the very matter with Peter who, proud of his goodness, intended to forgive a man seven times. That should be complete.

But Jesus one-upped him: "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matt 18:22)

Cain’s lineage trumpeted unsurpassed vengeance. Seven’s not enough, try for seventy-seven.

Jesus had an answer: forgive. Seven’s not enough, try for seventy-seven.

7 comments:

Maxine said...

Good post!! I just posted a comment about being merciful--this is a fitting followup. Very insightful, Kathy, and I LOVE the contrasts. I never paid much attention to Lamech, only his grandfather, really. What a lesson in the vice, vengeance, and its contrasting virtue, forgiveness. Thanks!

Kate said...

Kathy,

I have something for you at my blog today. Pop over when you get a chance.

Kate

God's girl said...

I just loved this. Jesus brings all things full circle! Very great insight. I was blessed!
Blessings,
Angela

Kathy said...

Maxine, thanks for your words. I was really struck, too, by the contrasts in the early chapters of Genesis - between the evil of Cain's line and the righteousness of Seth's line. God always protects a remnant and brings beauty to ashes.

Kathy said...

Kate, you have blessed me. Thank you so much. I am humbled by your kind words. I am writing to honor God's word- a ridiculous endeavor when you think about it. Your words of encouragement keep me going. Thank you!! (check out Kate's blog at Small Scribbles - it's listed under blogs I like to visit.)

Kathy said...

Angela, thank you. God is never defeated. Even in the face of unspeakable vice like Lamech's, God brings it full circle. It didn't happen in Lamech's lifetime but we are so privileged to get to see God's hand through history. We can never forget the big picture. Thanks for your insights!

Kate said...

The kids and I were in Luke 17 yesterday and came across the verses on forgiveness. We were able to make the contrast between Jesus' message and what the revenge that Lamech promoted thanks to this post. This is why I like to visit here.

Kate