adapted from various O.T. books by Marianne Hering

Most of these biblical "bad boys" need more than just time-outs and their allowances taken away. In most countries, they’d be behind bars for their vengeful deeds.

Read on and rate these revengers on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. Then see if your scores reflect what the Bible says.

Cain Mutiny (Genesis 4:8-16)
The revenge: Cain becomes jealous of his brother Abel, because Abel’s sacrifice is pleasing to the Lord and Cain’s isn’t. In a fit of jealous revenge, Cain kills Abel and then lies to God about it.
The results: Instead of receiving God’s favor (no duh), Cain discovers God’s curse: Cain must wander the earth aimlessly, and none of his crops will grow. He’s a frustrated farmer till his last days. The worst part—Cain is cut off from the presence of the Lord.
Revenge Report on Cain (1 to 10) _____

Moses’ Mistake (Exodus 2:11-15)
The revenge: Moses sees an Egyptian beat a Hebrew slave. Moses takes revenge on the Egyptian by killing him and burying his body in the sand.
The results: Moses flees from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who now wants to kill him. Moses wisely chooses to live in Midian. He is cut off from his people until God is ready to use him.
Revenge Report for Moses (1 to 10) _____

Abimelech’s Atrocity (Judges 9)
The revenge: Abimelech’s mother is a slave girl from Shechem, and his father is the faithful judge Gideon. After his father’s death, Abimelech wants to rule the Israelites. In vengeful selfishness, he murders 70 of his half-brothers, who are full-blooded Israelites. Only one brother escapes.
The results: After Abimelech is judge over Israel for three years, the Shechemites attack. During one battle, Abimelech’s army surrounds a tower. The army is about to set the tower on fire, but a woman drops a large stone out of a window. The rock hits Abimelech on the head, wounding him. He’s so badly hurt he asks his armor-bearer to end his life. "Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done . . . by murdering his seventy brothers" (Judges 9:56).
Revenge Report on Abimelech (1 to 10) _____

Samson Smites the Philistines (Judges 14–15)
The revenge: A bet goes bad at Samson’s first wedding. As a result, Samson kills 30 Philistines out of revenge. Because Samson seems so angry, his father-in-law gives Samson’s wife to another man. When Samson finds out his wife has been given away, he burns up the Philistine’s crops. Then the Philistines kill Samson’s wife and her father. Samson vows revenge and killed even more Philistines.
The results: When the Philistines try to capture Samson, God gives Samson special strength and he kills more of them. Then Samson rules over Israel for 20 years. Eventually Samson is killed by the Philistines, but not before he destroys a pagan temple.

This big feud was actually planned by God, who raised up Samson for the specific purpose of delivering the Israelites from the rule of the Philistines. The book of Judges says, "This was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines" (14:4).
Revenge Report on Samson (1 to 10) _____

Saul Stalks David (1 Samuel 18–31)
The revenge: King Saul believes David will replace him on the throne of Israel. He becomes jealous of David’s popularity and tries to kill him. Saul’s hatred soon spreads to hating those who help David. One day Saul orders the killing of 85 priests and their families as revenge because the priests had helped David. Even though David repeatedly proves he’s loyal to Saul, Saul continues to hate and plot against David.
The results: Saul loses his kingship, his three sons (including Jonathan) and the Lord’s approval. He kills himself in a losing battle against the Philistines.
Revenge Report on Saul (1 to 10) _____

Ahab and Jezebel’s False God (1 Kings 16:29-33, 18, 19:1-3, 20:13–22:40; 2 Kings 9:30-37)
The revenge: The Bible says, "Ahab . . . did more to provoke the LORD . . . to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him" (1 Kings 16:33). King Ahab marries Jezebel and encourages the Israelites to worship Baal. They kill all of God’s prophets except Elijah. Enraged at the prophet Elijah, who embarrasses them in front of the entire nation, Ahab and Jezebel vow revenge.
The results: Elijah predicts the death of Jezebel: "Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab" (1 Kings 21:23-24). Both prophecies come true.
Revenge Report on Ahab and Jezebel (1 to 10) _____

So who’s the most revolting revenger on your list?

According to the Bible they all are equally guilty. In fact if you’ve even been mad at someone, you are as guilty as any of them.

Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother [or sister, or teacher, or classmate] will be subject to judgment. . . . Anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell,’ " (Matthew 5:21-22).

You probably won’t kill someone like Cain did, but the same anger that spurred these folks lives in all of us, unless we confess it and turn the anger over to the Lord. So if you have anger in your heart, ask God to forgive you right now.

You can trust He will be gracious because 1 John 1:8-9 say:, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." In fact, God softened his anger against Ahab because the wicked king repented. Ahab did not have to witness the deaths of his sons because he was sorry for what he had done (1 Kings 21:28-29).

When someone fouls you on the soccer field, copies your schoolwork, breaks your Game Boy or spreads lies about you, remember the results of revenge and don’t seek it. That’s God’s job.

	Q: What do you call a bag that’s asleep? A: A knapsack. Valerie L., 9, Wisconsin Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe