Deuteronomy 21:9

So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.

Study Bible

So you shall purge
The Hebrew root for "purge" is "בער" (ba'ar), which means to burn, consume, or remove. In the context of ancient Israel, this term conveys a sense of thorough cleansing or removal of impurity. The act of purging is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, signifying the community's commitment to maintaining holiness and righteousness before God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of sanctification, where believers are called to separate themselves from sin and align with God's standards.

from yourselves
This phrase emphasizes personal and communal responsibility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the community was often seen as a collective entity, where the actions of one could affect the whole. The Israelites were called to take ownership of their moral and spiritual state, ensuring that they were not complicit in sin. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to examine themselves and live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

the guilt of shedding innocent blood
The phrase "innocent blood" refers to the wrongful taking of life, which is a grave sin in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word for "innocent" is "נקי" (naqi), meaning clean or free from guilt. The shedding of innocent blood is a violation of God's commandment and disrupts the moral order He established. Historically, this underscores the value God places on human life and the justice He demands. The community's responsibility to address such guilt highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

since you have done what is right
The concept of doing "what is right" is rooted in the Hebrew word "ישר" (yashar), meaning straight or upright. This reflects the biblical call to live in accordance with God's laws and commands. In the historical context of Deuteronomy, the Israelites were given specific instructions to follow, which were intended to set them apart as God's chosen people. This phrase reassures the community that their obedience to God's commands is recognized and valued by Him.

in the eyes of the LORD
This phrase signifies divine approval and oversight. The "eyes of the LORD" is a common biblical metaphor indicating God's omniscience and His active involvement in the world. It reassures the faithful that God sees their actions and judges them according to His perfect standard. This is a call to live with an awareness of God's presence and to seek His approval above all else. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder that believers are to live coram Deo, before the face of God, in all aspects of life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The covenant people of God, to whom the laws in Deuteronomy were given. They were to live according to God's commandments as they settled in the Promised Land.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provided the law to guide His people in righteousness and justice.

3. Innocent Blood
Refers to the shedding of blood of someone who is not guilty of a crime deserving death, highlighting the value God places on justice and life.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was to be a place where God's laws were upheld.

5. Elders and Judges
Leaders in Israel responsible for ensuring justice and carrying out the laws, including the investigation and resolution of unsolved murders.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life highly, and His laws reflect the need to protect and honor it. As believers, we are called to uphold the sanctity of life in our actions and attitudes.

Justice and Righteousness
The pursuit of justice is a reflection of God's character. We are to seek justice in our communities and personal lives, ensuring that we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

Corporate Responsibility
The community of faith shares a responsibility to address sin and injustice. We must work together to uphold God's standards and seek reconciliation and restoration.

Cleansing from Guilt
Just as the Israelites were to purge guilt through obedience, we are called to seek forgiveness and cleansing through Christ, who fulfills the law.

Obedience to God's Commands
Obedience to God's commands is essential for living a life that pleases Him. We are to align our lives with His Word, trusting that His ways are just and right.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "innocent blood" in Deuteronomy 21:9 inform our understanding of justice and the value of human life today?

2. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, take responsibility for addressing injustice and sin in our midst?

3. How does the principle of purging guilt relate to the New Testament teaching on confession and forgiveness?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord in our daily lives?

5. How can the teachings in Deuteronomy 21:9 guide us in our interactions with others, particularly in situations involving conflict or wrongdoing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 9:6
This verse underscores the sanctity of human life, as humans are made in the image of God, and it establishes the principle of justice for murder.

Numbers 35:33-34
These verses emphasize the defilement of the land through the shedding of innocent blood and the need for atonement to maintain God's presence among His people.

Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, addressing the heart's intentions and the importance of reconciliation.

1 John 1:9
This verse speaks to the cleansing from sin through confession and God's faithfulness to forgive, paralleling the need for purging guilt.