Spirituality of the Law
55
“Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also.”—Matthew 5:39, R. V.
Occasions of irritation to the Jews were constantly arising from
their contact with the Roman soldiery. Detachments of troops were
stationed at different points throughout Judea and Galilee, and their
presence reminded the people of their own degradation as a nation.
With bitterness of soul they heard the loud blast of the trumpet and saw
the troops forming around the standard of Rome and bowing in homage
to this symbol of her power. Collisions between the people and the
soldiers were frequent, and these inflamed the popular hatred. Often
as some Roman official with his guard of soldiers hastened from point
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to point, he would seize upon the Jewish peasants who were laboring
in the field and compel them to carry burdens up the mountainside or
render any other service that might be needed. This was in accordance
with the Roman law and custom, and resistance to such demands only
called forth taunts and cruelty. Every day deepened in the hearts of
the people the longing to cast off the Roman yoke. Especially among
the bold, rough-handed Galileans the spirit of insurrection was rife.
Capernaum, being a border town, was the seat of a Roman garrison,
and even while Jesus was teaching, the sight of a company of soldiers
recalled to His hearers the bitter thought of Israel’s humiliation. The
people looked eagerly to Christ, hoping that He was the One who was
to humble the pride of Rome.
With sadness Jesus looks into the upturned faces before Him.
He notes the spirit of revenge that has stamped its evil imprint upon
them, and knows how bitterly the people long for power to crush their
oppressors. Mournfully He bids them, “Resist not him that is evil: but
whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
These words were but a reiteration of the teaching of the Old
Testament. It is true that the rule, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (
Leviticus 24:20
), was a provision in the laws given through Moses;
but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves,
for they had the words of the Lord: “Say not thou, I will recompense
evil.” “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.” “Rejoice not
when thine enemy falleth.” “If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him
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bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.”
Proverbs
20:22
;
24:29, 17
;
Proverbs 25:21, 22
, R.V., margin.