Is this correct? "Turn the other cheek"

[jbarcher]

I was reading an article @ www.rzim.org, and came across this:

Contrary to what many believe, Jesus’ words about “turning the other cheek” after someone hits you on the right cheek are dealing with personal insults, not with acts of violence or force. Rather, Jesus said, “When insulted, be willing to take another insult.” Assuming that persons in Jesus’ time were generally right-handed, a hit on the right cheek is a back-handed slap, which even today in the Middle East expresses a gross insult. This idea of a slap as an insult is seen in Lamentations 3:30: “Let him give his cheek to the smiter and be filled with insults.” This slap would be roughly equivalent to spitting in someone's face in our society.

 

[daveleau]

This is a fair interpretation. Jesus did not want us to be defenseless. Looking at other parts of the Bible, we see Jesus making a whip to drive the money changers from the temple and we see Him telling His disciples to purchase swords because the times are going to become dangerous. Christianity is not a pacifist religion, or at least it is not meant to be. We are not to be quick to anger, nor are we to be quick to violence. But, we are not to stand and be destroyed without lifting a finger.

 

[hraedisc]

"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 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 of 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 bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink." Proverbs 20:22; 24:29, 17; 25:21, 22, R.V., margin.

The whole earthly life of Jesus was a manifestation of this principle. It was to bring the bread of life to His enemies that our Saviour left His home in heaven. Though calumny and persecution were heaped upon Him from the cradle to the grave, they called forth from Him only the expression of forgiving love. Through the prophet Isaiah He says, "I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting." "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth." Isaiah 50:6; 53:7. And from the cross of Calvary there come down through the ages His prayer for His murderers and the message of hope to the dying thief.

The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission, and "all things" that are permitted "work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28.

 

[G4m]

I was reading an article @ www.rzim.org, and came across this:

When Stephen was stoned and even Paul I see no sign of physical resistance, so I would say that Jesus' words included physical attacks.

Further another interpretation was that to turn the other cheek was indeed because the slap was insulting. To turn the other cheek was a way of passive resistance, in a way to be hit with respect...

 

[herev]

I believe that Jesus did not call us to be door mats--but I must say the evidence is weak. There were times that Paul was miraculously freed from prison and ran--other times, he staid put. We must continue to ask for divine input before we decide whether or not to put up common resistance. AS for Paul and even STephen and the stoning--most people who are escorted to a death sentence don't put up a fight--they are resigned to the fact that their fate is sealed.

 

[jbarcher]

Er, Paul stayed in prison (i.e. around Acts 24ish) as he was awaiting trial, yes?

To turn the other cheek was a way of passive resistance, in a way to be hit with respect...

Meaning, the person who is getting slapped shows respect to the ... slapper, by turning the other cheek?

That was very interesting, <><. Thanks.

 

[The Thadman]

Meaning, the person who is getting slapped shows respect to the ... slapper, by turning the other cheek?

It would be more along the lines of:

"Ok, you've insulted and embarassed me: Now face me on equal ground."

Children and slaves were disciplined by a backhanded slap. If you were to do so to someone in the forum it would be labeling them as such. To turn the other cheek, gives the assailant no other choice but to strike the left cheek, which is a bold, staid dare.

If would be the equivalent of if someone decked you and you fell down, but got back to your feet with your arms firmly at your sides staring directly into their eyes. Not a threat, but a way of saying "Face me like a man, not a coward." Sure you might get a bloody nose out of the ordeal depending on who is at the other end of that hand, but it is quite a powerful message.

Peace!
-Steve-o

 

[The Thadman]

I believe that Jesus did not call us to be door mats--but I must say the evidence is weak. There were times that Paul was miraculously freed from prison and ran--other times, he staid put. We must continue to ask for divine input before we decide whether or not to put up common resistance. AS for Paul and even STephen and the stoning--most people who are escorted to a death sentence don't put up a fight--they are resigned to the fact that their fate is sealed.

This follows that same paradigm. They were staid with their decisions. Damned stubborn, even in the face of death, itself. I mean take a look at Stephen's speech before his stoning! "You were given the Torah as ordained by angels but did not keep it." The cornerstone of Jesus teaching: keeping Torah properly. This is powerful stuff.

It is a message of persistence and strength.

Same thing about the sayings on court cases: If someone sues you for your cloak, let them have your tunic as well. (That would leave the 1st Century Jew buck naked, so it appears to be metaphor.) They ask for one mile, give them two. What does it matter, their tests?

Presistence and strength in the LORD.

Peace!
-Steve-o

 

[G4m]

Er, Paul stayed in prison (i.e. around Acts 24ish) as he was awaiting trial, yes?



Meaning, the person who is getting slapped shows respect to the ... slapper, by turning the other cheek?

That was very interesting, <><. Thanks.

From memory the guy said it was to allow yourself to be hit again, but in a more respectful way...

 

[G4m]

It would be more along the lines of:

"Ok, you've insulted and embarassed me: Now face me on equal ground."

Children and slaves were disciplined by a backhanded slap. If you were to do so to someone in the forum it would be labeling them as such. To turn the other cheek, gives the assailant no other choice but to strike the left cheek, which is a bold, staid dare.

If would be the equivalent of if someone decked you and you fell down, but got back to your feet with your arms firmly at your sides staring directly into their eyes. Not a threat, but a way of saying "Face me like a man, not a coward." Sure you might get a bloody nose out of the ordeal depending on who is at the other end of that hand, but it is quite a powerful message.

Peace!
-Steve-o

Yeah that was it! Thanks...

 

[jbarcher]

Hm...quite interesting. *struggling to picture it*

passive resistance...a dare to be challenged on equal ground...hm...I'll think about this one.

 

[wonder111]

regarding Jesus and the sword. "Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword back in its place, for all those who take up the sword perish by the sword." and Jesus did not use the whip on a person

here's another important thing to remember
"My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: 'I am the One who punishes; I will pay people back,' says the Lord"

 

[jbarcher]

One minor request, could you cite references whenever you quote Scripture? It is a useful habit.

 

[wonder111]

regarding Jesus and the sword. Mt 26:52 records, "Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword back in its place, for all those who take up the sword perish by the sword." and Jesus did not use the whip on a person

here's another important thing to remember, Romans 12:19
"My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: 'I am the One who punishes; I will pay people back,' says the Lord"