The BEMA Podcast - Episode 445: "Talmudic Matthew — Enemies"

Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host/Author: BEMA Discipleship
Guests: Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, Reed Dent, Dr. L. Grover Fricks

Introduction

In Episode 445 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by Marty Solomon alongside co-hosts Brent Billings and Reed Dent, the discussion delves into the intricate relationship between Jesus’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and Talmudic interpretations concerning enemies. Joined by Dr. L. Grover Fricks, the panel embarks on an excavation of ancient ideas about enemies, exploring how Jesus’s words interact with, challenge, and potentially transcend traditional Jewish law and Roman societal norms.

"Eye for an Eye" and Its Cultural Context

The episode opens with Brent Billings providing an overview of last week's discussion on oaths and their violent historical implications. He emphasizes Jesus’s nuanced approach to such legalistic constructs, suggesting that Jesus's teachings are not random but rather systematically address the kind of future believers are committing to—one of violence versus non-violent resistance.

Brent reads Matthew 5:38-44 (LEB) and introduces Marty Solomon's insights from Episode 96, where Marty posits that Jesus isn’t advocating passivity but instead presenting a dignified form of resistance against Roman oppression. Marty recalls his childhood perception of "eye for an eye" as barbaric, highlighting the gravity with which even seemingly minor retaliations were viewed in ancient times (03:40).

"Do Not Resist the Evildoer" and Turning the Other Cheek

The conversation transitions to the second part of the passage: "Do not resist the evildoer... turn the other cheek" (02:31). Marty references rabbinic literature, particularly Gamaliel’s teachings, indicating that Jesus’s directive aligns with Jewish thought on handling insults and violence with dignity (06:49).

Brent introduces additional layers by comparing these teachings to modern-day nonviolent resistance, suggesting that Jesus's instructions require intentional preparation rather than reactive measures. This notion is echoed by Reed Dent, who emphasizes the necessity of training and commitment to embody peace rather than defaulting to fight or passivity (14:38).

Talmudic Interpretations and Historical Context

Dr. L. Grover Fricks joins the discussion to provide a deeper historical context. He explains that the "eye for an eye" principle from Exodus and Leviticus was never meant to be taken literally but rather as a means to ensure fair compensation, similar to today’s legal systems (05:37).

Brent further elaborates on how these laws were interpreted in Talmudic times, where monetary compensation was emphasized over physical retaliation. He shares a humorous yet insightful example of determining the value of pain based on the perpetrator’s complaints, illustrating the practical applications of these laws (06:49).

The panel also explores how Jesus’s teachings interacted with Roman laws, particularly in the context of oppressions like angaria (forced labor). Brent argues that Jesus’s instructions on carrying burdens voluntarily rather than being compelled reflect a subtle yet profound form of resistance against Roman authority (07:47).

Escalating Talmudic Teachings on Enemies

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining a disturbing list of Talmudic teachings that advocate severe punishments for non-Israelites and Gentiles. Brent reads through various prohibitions, each escalating in severity:

1. Moshe’s Wishes: God grants Moshe’s request to dwell among the Israelites while excluding other nations, leading to divine contempt for those who keep their commandments beyond Israel (34:12).

2. Limited Divine Love: God professes exclusive love for Israel, raising theological questions about universal love and the obligations of worshipers towards non-believers (34:52).

3. Proselytes and Wealth: Non-Israelites are condemned even if they adhere to Torah, discouraging generosity towards them and justifying extreme measures against them (35:02).

4. Metaphorical Comparison: Wheat symbolizes Israelites, while thorns represent Gentiles, suggesting a natural and divine segregation between the two groups (36:39).

5. Shabbat Observance: Gentiles keeping Shabbat are deemed deserving of death, enforcing strict boundaries between Israel and the rest of the world (36:45).

6. Torah Study: Non-Israelites studying Torah are punished, promoting a rigid adherence to cultural and religious exclusivity (37:24).

7. Best of Gentiles Deserve Death: Even the best non-Israelites are not spared, reinforcing a cycle of dehumanization and antagonism (37:57).

8. Ignorance of the Law: Ignorant individuals, whether Gentiles or non-studies of Torah, are treated with extreme hostility (38:02).

9. Eradication of Evil: Calls for the eradication of enemies and heretics highlight a readiness for violence against perceived threats (38:40).

10. Defiling Graves: Gentiles are seen as non-essential, merely livestock, dismissing any empathy or respect for their sanctity (38:52).

11. Assistance in Childbirth: Israelite women are prohibited from assisting Gentiles, further isolating and devaluing them (38:53).

12. Pit Dilemmas: A Gentile in a pit facing assistance or abandonment exemplifies the cruelty embedded in these teachings (39:42).

13. Final Condemnations: The culmination of these teachings underscores a systemic dehumanization, portraying non-Israelites as inherently deserving of suffering (39:15).

The hosts discuss the implications of these teachings, recognizing their historical context but also critically examining their alignment with Jesus’s teachings about love and nonviolence towards enemies.

Implications for Modern Christian Practice

The panel shifts focus to the stark contrast between these ancient teachings and contemporary Christian ethics. They argue that while Jesus’s instructions in the Sermon on the Mount advocate for radical love and nonviolence, historical Christian interpretations and societal norms have often deviated towards exclusion and hostility.

Reed Dent highlights the internal conflicts within Christian communities, where doctrinal differences can lead to divisiveness and mutual antagonism (27:00). He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing these tendencies and striving to align more closely with Jesus’s original teachings of unconditional love and forgiveness (31:41).

Brent connects these discussions to the broader narrative of Christian triumphalism, suggesting that the conquest mentality undermines the foundational message of love and compassion. He encourages listeners to rethink their responses to enemies and persecution, advocating for intercessory prayer and communal wisdom as pathways to embodying genuine Christian love (47:50).

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge of Loving Enemies

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the transformative potential of Jesus’s teachings. They reference the biblical story of Aaron and Moses interceding for a plague, illustrating the profound act of standing between the community and divine wrath (56:25). This act symbolizes the essence of praying for and loving one’s enemies, even in the face of betrayal and persecution.

Brent and Reed challenge listeners to embody this priestly intercession in their own lives, moving beyond superficial displays of goodness to deep, sacrificial acts of love and reconciliation. They emphasize the need for intentional preparation and community support to navigate the complexities of loving enemies in a world rife with conflict and division.

Marty Solomon wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the content further through the podcast’s website, highlighting the importance of community support in fostering these transformative teachings.

Notable Quotes:

• Marty Solomon (02:31): "It was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist the Evildoer..."

• Brent Billings (07:47): "Which sounds to me awfully familiar to our culture, right? Like, no, no, I'm a Jesus person, so I'm supposed to be kind and compassionate... unless."

• Reed Dent (25:43): "There are governing political kinds of disputes... within our churches, what we actually have are governing political kinds of disputes..."

• Marty Solomon (51:14): "Pray for those who persecute you... but it's a helpful picture of what Jesus might have had in mind..."

Final Thoughts

Episode 445 of The BEMA Podcast serves as a profound exploration of the tension between ancient Judaic laws and Jesus’s teachings on love and nonviolence towards enemies. By juxtaposing Talmudic interpretations with the Sermon on the Mount, the hosts challenge listeners to critically assess their own beliefs and practices, fostering a deeper understanding of historical contexts and their implications for modern Christian life.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own predispositions towards enemies, seeking to embody the radical love and forgiveness that Jesus advocated. Through community support and intentional practice, the podcast emphasizes the transformative power of aligning one’s actions with the foundational teachings of compassion and reconciliation.

For more in-depth discussions and additional resources, visit The BEMA Podcast website.