When Jesus tells Peter that he needs to forgive 70 times 7 in Matthew 18:22. Where did he get that number from? Of all the numbers, why that one? Well, in my opinion I believe he is harking back to Lamech in Genesis 4:24 where right after the Fall everything spirals out of control. Brother kills brother for revenge, Lamech has an adulterous relationship and enters into polygamy to solve the issue and gives a stern warning of how he reacts to criticism: we will take vengeance more than Cain would – a ratio of 7 to 70. Jesus here is reconciling humanity. He is reversing the Lamech lifestyle by forgiving in the same amount as Lamech takes vengeance.
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