Definition and Overview:
Retribution and Divine Justice are central themes in the Bible, reflecting God's moral order and His response to human actions. Retribution refers to the dispensing of reward or punishment in accordance with one's actions, while Divine Justice is the inherent righteousness and fairness of God in His governance of the world.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of retribution is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's justice is portrayed as both immediate and eschatological. The principle of "measure for measure" is evident throughout Scripture, emphasizing that individuals reap what they sow.

Old Testament Insights:
In the Old Testament, retribution is often depicted in terms of blessings and curses. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, illustrating the covenantal nature of divine retribution. The book of Proverbs frequently highlights the principle of retributive justice: "The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land" (Proverbs 10:30).

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) serves as a vivid example of divine retribution, where God's justice is executed upon cities steeped in sin. Similarly, the narrative of the Exodus demonstrates God's retributive justice against Pharaoh and Egypt for their oppression of the Israelites.

New Testament Perspectives:
In the New Testament, the theme of retribution is expanded to include eternal consequences. Jesus speaks of divine justice in parables, such as the Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), where the separation of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age is depicted.

Pauline theology also emphasizes retributive justice, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8: "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" .

Divine Justice and Mercy:
While retribution is a key aspect of divine justice, the Bible also reveals God's mercy and patience. The tension between justice and mercy is evident in passages like Ezekiel 18:23, where God declares, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?" .

The ultimate expression of divine justice and mercy is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death, the demands of justice are met, and mercy is extended to all who believe. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus" .

Eschatological Justice:
The Bible assures believers of a future time when God's perfect justice will be fully realized. The Book of Revelation describes the final judgment, where the righteous are rewarded, and the wicked face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15). This eschatological perspective reinforces the hope and assurance of divine justice for those who trust in God.

Conclusion:
The biblical portrayal of retribution and divine justice underscores the moral order established by God. It serves as both a warning and a comfort, affirming that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to live righteously, trusting in God's perfect justice and mercy.