What responsibility does Genesis 9:5 assign to humanity regarding life? The Post-Flood Commission: Setting the Scene Noah and his family have just stepped off the ark into a cleansed world. God now speaks fresh instructions for life in this new beginning. The Key Verse “And surely I will require the lifeblood of any beast or man; I will demand an accounting from every beast and from man alike. I will demand an accounting for the life of man from his fellow man.” (Genesis 9:5) What God Requires • God Himself “will require” an accounting. • The accounting extends to both animals and humans—every creature is answerable. • Each person is responsible for protecting the “lifeblood” of his fellow man. Why Life Must Be Guarded • Human life uniquely bears God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). • Shedding blood desecrates that image and demands justice (Genesis 9:6). • Bloodguilt pollutes the land and can only be cleansed by just retribution (Numbers 35:33-34). Universal Human Responsibility • Recognize all human life as sacred from conception to natural death. • Uphold just punishment for murder—civil authorities “do not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4). • Resist personal revenge; leave vengeance to God-ordained justice (Deuteronomy 19:11-13; Romans 12:19). Animals Included • Even beasts that kill a person are to be held accountable (Exodus 21:28-29). • Humanity, as stewards of creation, enforces this protection. Practical Living Today • Defend life in law, public policy, and personal conduct. • Support systems that value each person’s dignity—unborn, elderly, disabled, marginalized. • Model a culture of life by speaking truthfully, acting justly, and loving mercy (Micah 6:8). |
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