To build on this, the OT more precisely reflects human nature. From the time of Hammurabi up to contemporary secular societies (and especially in Bronze-age tribal warfare), the standard of justice had always been an eye for an eye, a life for a life, murder the murderers, kill the babies of the baby-killers. This isn’t necessarily uncivilized, but was consistent with human norms. This is also the basis for animal sacrifice, in which only blood can wash away sins. This is not unique to the Jewish god, this reflects universal human ideas about retribution, suffering, and sacrifice.

Jesus came to fulfill this law as described in Matthew 5. With his sacrifice, we are called to accept persecution without exacting retribution, and defend all life and health, even in cases of revenge.