(b) The law of retaliation, 38 42.

38. An eye for an eye See Exodus 21:24. The Scribes draw a false inference from the letter of the law. As a legal remedy the lex talioniswas probably the best possible in a rude state of society. The principle was admitted in all ancient nations. But the retribution was exacted by a judicial sentence for the good of the community, not to gratify personal vengeance. The deduction that it was morally right for individuals to indulge revenge could not be justified.

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