§. 112. Of Uengeance belonging to God.
THe Testimonies produced by the Apostle for proof of the poynt in hand are two. The first in these words, I will recompence.
This is taken out of Deut. 32. 35.
There is some difference betwixt the testimony as first set down by Moses, and here cited by the Apostle; Moses thus sets it down, To me vengeance and recom∣•…•…ce; That is, these belong to me, and are proper unto me. Thus it is in a man∣ner translated, Rom. 12. 19. Uengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.
Moses, to terrifie the people the more, sets down
1. Gods office, which is to inflict just punishment upon wilfull and obstinate sin∣ners: and though in his unsearchable wisedome he may some while forbear them, yet lest they should grow too impudent and secure, and presumptuous, he addeth this other clause, and recompence: that by doubling of the word, people might more fear, and be assured that God will do that which belongeth unto him. Whereas the two phrases are thus set down, Uengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompence, the Greek LXX. are therein imitated: The first phrase setteth down Gods prero∣gative, Uengeance belongeth unto him; The second sheweth his Justice in executing that which belongeth to him, I will repay, saith the Lord. Thus the Apostles quo∣•…•…ng of that text is an explanation of the mind of Moses, and no way contrary there∣unto.
A speciall poynt here intended is, that it is Gods prerogative to punish evill doers.* 1.1 In this respect this title is twice together attributed to God. O Lord God to whom vengeance belongeth: O God to whom vengeance belongeth, Psal. 94. 1. And to like purpose: The Lord revengeth, The Lord revengeth, The Lord will take vengeance, Nah. 1. 2. With much emphasis is this thus set down, God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God, Psal. 62. 11. By power he meaneth vengeance, as is evident by the opposition of the next verse.
Gods excellencies do many wayes give proof hereunto, as
- 1. Gods supreme soveraignty: for this is one part of soveraignty, to take ven∣geance on rebels.
- 2. His omnipotency; he is able to beat down his stoutest enemies.
- 3. His infinite justice. This consisteth, as in giving reward, so in taking revenge.
- 4. His perfect wisdome, who can order matters to the best.
- 5. His zeal and hatred of sin.
This demonstrateth the unlawfulnesse of all private revenge. To this end is this very Text quoted, Rom. 12. 19. Prov. 20. 22. Such as undertake single combats enter upon Gods prerogative.
Quest. What may then be thought of Magistrates, Masters, and Parents, punishing their inferiours?
Answ. These stand in Gods room, bear his Image, and have their power of God, Rom. 13. 1.