Let's explore one fascinating interpretation found in Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic commentaries on the Book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 149.
The verse in question speaks of "taking vengeance upon the nations." But what does this actually mean? The Midrash asks, "What is this vengeance?" The answer it offers is profound. God, blessed be He, proclaims, "I will avenge what was done to Israel." This is supported by the verse in Psalm 79:10, "Vengeance for the blood of His servants is spilled."
Now, here's where it gets interesting. The Midrash emphasizes that vengeance isn't something for humans to take into their own hands. After all, as Deuteronomy 32:35 states, "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense." And further, Nahum 1:2 declares, "Thus says the Lord: 'To whom I will be avenged.'" All acts of vengeance, according to this understanding, reside solely with the Holy One. This is a critical point: it's not about personal retribution, but about divine justice.
But does this mean indiscriminate vengeance against all non-Jews? Absolutely not. The Midrash clarifies that this vengeance is directed specifically at the kings of the nations. Psalm 149:8 speaks of "binding their kings." But why target the kings? The Midrash connects this to Psalm 2:1, "Why do the nations rage?" These are the leaders who instigated the conflict, who led their people against Israel.
The Midrash then recalls the suffering inflicted upon Israel, specifically the blinding of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, as described in 2 Kings 25:7. The Midrash suggests a measure-for-measure principle at play: "And I will do the same to them," echoing the verse, "And their nobles shall be bound in chains of iron" (Psalm 149:8).
The passage culminates with a powerful image of divine remembrance and ultimate justice. The Holy One, blessed be He, asks, "Do they think that I have forgotten what they have done?" The answer is a resounding no. "It is written before Me," the Midrash asserts, citing Malachi 3:19, "For the day is coming, burning like a furnace," and Isaiah 66:24, "They shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men."
The ultimate judgment, the Midrash concludes, is "to execute upon them the judgment that is written." And what is that judgment? Psalm 104:35 provides the answer: "Let sinners be consumed from the earth." The Midrash circles back to the initial idea: this isn't about hating people, it's about eradicating sin and wickedness from the world.
So, what do we take away from this Midrash? It's a potent reminder that the concept of vengeance in Judaism is far more nuanced than simple retribution. It’s about divine justice, about holding leaders accountable for their actions, and ultimately, about the triumph of good over evil. It is a concept that demands careful consideration, reminding us of our responsibility to strive for justice and righteousness in a world that often feels chaotic and unfair.