If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you (Proverbs 25:21-22).
In Rom. 12:20, Paul the apostle quotes Proverbs 25. I’ve often heard it said that this Proverb is talking about letting God get even with your enemy for you. They hurt you in some way and God will hurt them back by heaping coals upon their head. This is the opposite of what the verse means.
Hebraic context of burning coals
To understand this verse, we have to look at the metaphor about heaping coals from the Hebraic perspective. Fire was used for light, cooking, and for keeping warm. In biblical times, people didn’t have matches. Starting a fire took work. As a result, people did their best not to let their fires die out. If it did happen to go out, it was common practice to borrow live coals from a neighbor or friend to rekindle the fire.
Why burning coals on the head
In ancient times, it was common practice to carry loads upon the head. Many cultures still practice carrying loads in this way today. In the case of burning coals, they were placed in a container which was carried on the head.
Why heaped coals?
The word heaped paints a picture of a pile of coals. A single coal can be red hot, but alone, it dies quickly. A heap of coals lasted long enough to ignite a blaze when the person returned to their home.
The blessing of heaping coals
Heaping coals upon a person’s head wasn’t a way to get even. In the Proverb, it is meant to be a blessing to your enemy. It was a way to offer them kindness. Jesus reminds his disciples of this truth during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). In verse 43 he says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’.” When we put this verse in context, we see that Jesus is talking to the Jews and pointing out that this teaching from the Pharisees and teachers of the Law is not from God. Each time he says, “You have heard that it was said,” he follows it with, “But I tell you.”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
God calls us to love and good deeds. Our righteousness is to surpass that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. We are not to hate our enemy. God wants us to show them kindness.
Photo credit: pxfuel, Wikimedia, Édouard Hue
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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.