Demandless satisfaction
“The 10 Duel Commandments” from the musical Hamilton, is a clever piece of theatre depicting a dispute between two officers in the United States military during the war for independence, while outlining the rules by which conflict are resolved through combat.
The first “Commandment” is to “Demand Satisfaction”.
This seems a perfectly reasonable desire on the part of anyone who has ever felt wronged. Conflict can often flow from dissatisfaction, and it’s human to insist that satisfaction must come from the one responsible.
Dual Disputes
In Genesis 31 Jacob leaves the service of his father-in-law, Laban, in unsatisfying circumstances for both men.
“You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.” Jacob was grieved with Laban, and wanted to break free from a relationship that was not satisfying.
Genesis 31:5-7
Laban has his own reasons to feel dissatisfied.
“What do you mean by deceiving me like this?” Laban demanded. “How dare you drag my daughters away like prisoners of war? Why did you slip away secretly? Why did you deceive me? And why didn’t you say you wanted to leave?”
Genesis 31:26-28
Both men feel grieved, and desire satisfaction from the other. Unfortunately, satisfaction is hard to come by when sought from people.
The One Who Satisfies
In July, 2025, Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of four students from the University of Idaho. His plea of guilty was entered after years of refusal to speak about the crimes.
For those demanding to understand why he would commit such heinous crimes, the sentence was unsatisfying. The aunt of one of his victims addressed the man himself, saying “Bryan, I’m here today to tell you I have forgiven you, because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart.”
Prevented by The Lord from inflicting harm upon Jacob, Laban likewise resolves to leave the satisfaction of their dispute in the hands of God.
“May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight. If you mistreat my daughters or if you marry other wives, God will see it even if no one else does. He is a witness to this covenant between us.”
Genesis 31:49-50
Jesus promises satisfaction for those who will follow him that is never dependent on human effort, and can never be taken away.
“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
John 4:14
We end our conflicts with the same grace that God has shown us – offering freedom to the other, needing nothing in return.
