What is the meaning of Leviticus 24:17? And if a man - Moses writes to every Israelite male, but the wording embraces any human participant. God addresses individuals personally, showing that each person is morally accountable (Exodus 21:12; Ezekiel 18:20). - Scripture consistently teaches that sin is ultimately personal before it is societal (Romans 3:23). takes the life - The phrase points to intentional killing—murder, not accidental death. Numbers 35:15-24 makes that distinction clear, prescribing refuge for manslaughter but judgment for deliberate bloodshed. - Genesis 9:6 sets the foundation: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed,”. God ties respect for life to His own image in humanity. of anyone else - No exceptions of status, ethnicity, age, or ability. The law protects every human life equally (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 19:15). - This impartiality reflects God’s character: “There is no favoritism with God” (Romans 2:11). he must surely be put to death - Capital punishment is presented as God’s required response to murder, not optional or vengeful but just. Exodus 21:14 and Deuteronomy 19:11-13 echo the same standard. - The civil authority later carries this out: Romans 13:4 calls it “the sword” entrusted to the governing power to punish wrongdoers. - Purpose: • Vindicate the sanctity of life. • Restrain violence in the community (Numbers 35:33-34). • Foreshadow the ultimate judgment where God will perfectly repay every deed (Revelation 20:12-13). summary Leviticus 24:17 affirms that every individual bears personal responsibility before God, that human life is sacred because it reflects God’s image, that justice must be impartial, and that deliberate murder demands the highest earthly penalty. The verse underscores both the seriousness of sin and the unwavering righteousness of God’s law, calling society to honor life as God does. |
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