Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 18:7

"And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and [yet] he is longsuffering over them?" — Luke 18:7 (ASV)

Concerning the phrase Shall not God avenge, etc., we should not suppose that the character of God is at all represented by this judge, or that his principles of conduct are at all like those of the judge. This parable shows us conclusively that many circumstances of a parable are not to be interpreted too closely; they are mere appendages to the narrative.

The great truth which our Savior intended to teach is what we should try to find. In this case, there can be no doubt what that truth is. He himself has told us that it is that men ought always to pray and not to faint.

He teaches this by the example in the parable, and the argument it implies is this:

1. A poor widow, by her perseverance only, obtained from an unjust man what she otherwise would not have obtained.

2. God is not unjust. He is good, and inclined to do justice and to bestow mercy. If, therefore, this wicked man was induced by persevering prayer to do justice, how much more will God, who is good and not motivated by any such selfish and base principles, do justice to those who apply to him!

Avenge. This means to do justice to or vindicate them. This may have a twofold reference:

1. To the disciples in the time of Jesus, who were about to be oppressed and persecuted. Calamities were about to come over them, as if God did not regard their cries and had forsaken them. To them, Jesus gives the assurance that God would hear their petitions and come forth to vindicate them; and that, despite all these calamities, he would yet appear for their deliverance.

2. It may have a more general meaning. The people of God are often oppressed, slandered, and persecuted. They are few in number and weak. They seem to be almost forsaken and cast down, and their enemies triumph. Yet in due time, God will hear their prayers and will come forth for their vindication. And even if it should not be in this life, he will yet do it on the day of judgment, when he will pronounce them blessed, and receive them forever to himself.

His own elect. This refers to the people of God, saints, Christians, so called because God has chosen them to be his. The term is usually given in the Scriptures to the true followers of God and is a term of affection, denoting his great and particular love in choosing them out of a world of sinners and conferring on them grace, mercy, and eternal life. (See notes on 1 Thessalonians 1:4).

(See notes on Colossians 3:12).

(See notes on 1 Peter 1:2).

(See notes on Ephesians 1:4).

It signifies here that they are peculiarly dear to him; that he feels a deep interest in their welfare, and that he will therefore be ready to come forth to their aid. The judge felt no special interest in that widow, yet he heard her; God feels a particular regard, a tender love for his elect, and therefore he will hear and save them.

Which cry day and night. This phrase expresses one striking characteristic of the elect of God: they pray, and pray constantly. No one can have evidence that he is chosen of God who is not a person of prayer. One of the best signs by which the electing love of God is known is that it inclines us to pray. This passage implies that when the elect of God are in trouble and pressed down with calamities, they will cry to him; and it affirms that if they do, he will hear their cries and answer their requests.

Though he bear long with them. This phrase has been variously interpreted, and there is some variation in the readings of ancient manuscripts. Some manuscripts read, "Will not God avenge his elect? Will he linger in their cause?" However, the most natural meaning is, "Although he delays long to avenge them, and greatly tries their patience, yet he will avenge them." He tests their faith; he allows their persecutions and trials to continue for a long time, and it almost appears as if he will not intervene. Yet he will do it, and he will save them.