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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Violence is defined as "physical force exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing," and sadly, violence is a part of everyday life. It's in our movies and television shows, and we l...
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Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about violence? The Bible's Viewpoint - How Does God Feel About Violence? How should Christians conduct themselves in a violent world? The Bible account of Jacob's sons Simeon and Levi provides us with sound guidance. Their sister Dinah placed herself in the company of the immoral people of Shechem. This resulted in her being sexually violated by a Shechemite. In retaliation, Simeon and Levi wantonly slaughtered all the men of Shechem. Later, under divine inspiration, Jacob cursed his sons' uncontrolled anger with the words: "Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords. 6 O my soul, come not thou into their council; Unto their assembly, my glory, be not thou united; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hocked an ox. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; And their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel."—Genesis 49:5 - 7ESV. In harmony with these words, Christians avoid association with those who promote or perpetrate violence. Clearly, God hates those who promote violence. Christians are admonished to avoid all forms of uncontrolled anger, even verbal violence. Psalm 11:5 ESV: "Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth." Ephesians 4:31 ESV: " Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice." Conclusion: The prophets condemn violence and injustice. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah call people to seek justice, correct oppression, and walk humbly, rejecting violent behaviour. Jesus teaches radical non-violence. "Blessed are the peacemakers." "Turn the other cheek." "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus rebukes Peter for using a sword: "All who draw the sword will die by the sword." The apostles command believers to reject violence. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil… overcome evil with good." "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult." Anger and vengeance are rejected because they do not produce God's righteousness. God alone administers perfect justice. Scripture distinguishes justice from revenge: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay," says the Lord. Believers are told to trust God rather than retaliate. The Bible consistently teaches that violence is contrary to God's character and human flourishing. It calls people to reject violent behaviour, trust God for justice, and actively pursue peace, mercy, and reconciliation. Violence is portrayed as corruption, injustice, and a rejection of God's ways. Believers are called instead to pursue peace, justice, mercy, and forgiveness.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
My favorite verse when I start fearing the terrorist is Psalm 140:1, 4.
All I have to do is pray for deliverance from violent men, and I have peace. Sure, it might be that I receive physical harm though I pray against it. But I'm ready for it spiritually (think of what Christ suffered!).
Benson Commentary
Psalm 140:4-5. Keep me from the hands of the wicked — Hebrew, רשׁע, the wicked man. Let him not prevail to take away my life, my reputation, my interest, or my comfort, or to prevent my coming to the throne. Preserve me from the violent man — Hebrew, מאישׁ חמסים, (as also in Psalm 140:1,) from the man of violences, injuries, or rapines [acts of violent robbery or plundering]; who hath purposed — Whose design and full resolution it is, if thou do not prevent it; to overthrow my goings —
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked,.... From falling into their hands, and the weight of them); and from their laying hands on him, being men of power and authority;
preserve me from the violent man: or men, every one of them;
Geneva Study Bible
Keep {d} me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
(d) He declares the remedy of the godly when they are oppressed by the worldlings.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 4. - Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man. A repetition of ver. 1 in a modified form. The fact of iteration indicates the extremity of the psalmist's need. Who have purposed to overthrow my goings; i.e. to bring me to destruction (comp. Psalm 17:5).
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