Casting Stones
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Definition and Context
Casting stones is a biblical term that refers to the act of throwing stones, often as a form of judgment or punishment. This practice is rooted in ancient customs and laws, particularly within the context of the Old Testament, where stoning was a prescribed method of capital punishment for certain transgressions. The act of casting stones is symbolic of judgment and condemnation, and it is used both literally and metaphorically in the Scriptures.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, stoning was a common form of execution for various offenses. The Law of Moses prescribed stoning for crimes such as blasphemy, idolatry, and certain sexual sins. For example, Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him." Similarly, Deuteronomy 22:24 prescribes stoning for a betrothed virgin who is found guilty of adultery.

The act of casting stones was not only a means of punishment but also served as a communal act of purging evil from among the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:7: "The hands of the witnesses shall be the first to stone him, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from among you."

New Testament References
In the New Testament, the concept of casting stones takes on a more metaphorical meaning, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. One of the most well-known passages is found in John 8:7, where Jesus addresses the accusers of a woman caught in adultery: "When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.'" This statement highlights the themes of mercy, forgiveness, and self-reflection, urging individuals to consider their own sinfulness before condemning others.

Symbolism and Interpretation
Casting stones symbolizes judgment and the human tendency to condemn others. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for justice. However, the New Testament teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of mercy and the recognition of one's own faults. The act of casting stones is thus transformed from a literal execution of judgment to a metaphorical call for introspection and compassion.

Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, the transition from the Old Testament practice of stoning to the New Testament emphasis on mercy reflects the broader narrative of redemption and grace found in the Bible. It underscores the shift from the Law to the Gospel, where the focus moves from strict adherence to legalistic punishment to the transformative power of grace through Jesus Christ. This shift encourages believers to embody the principles of forgiveness and love, as exemplified by Christ, rather than resorting to judgment and condemnation.

Conclusion
The concept of casting stones, while rooted in ancient legal practices, serves as a powerful metaphor for judgment and mercy within the biblical narrative. It challenges believers to reflect on their own lives, to extend grace to others, and to seek a deeper understanding of justice as defined by the teachings of Scripture.
Topical Bible Verses
Acts 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew
1486. goral -- a lot (for casting)
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a lot (for casting) NASB Word Usage ... to
be rough (as stone); properly, a pebble, ie A lot (small stones being used ...
/hebrew/1486.htm - 6k
Library

But Thou who Both Hast Sons, and Livest in that End of the World.. ...
... 11. But thou who both hast sons, and livest in that end of the world, wherein now
is the time not of casting stones, but of gathering; not of embracing, but of ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 11 but thou who.htm

We must Take into Consideration the Time at which Anything was ...
... And, accordingly, if these last had been still alive at the advent of our Lord,
when the time not of casting stones away but of gathering them together had come ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 18 we must take into.htm

For, if it was Possible for one Man to Use Many Wives with ...
... And, accordingly, if these last had been still alive at the advent of our Lord,
when the time not of casting stones away but of gathering them together had come ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 27 for if it.htm

John viii. 48, 49
... with Abraham, although this was but a trifling one, had He continually made Himself
equal to the Father, would they ever have ceased casting stones at Him? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lv john viii 48.htm

How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
... for his own preservation; for if he die unjustly, he shall not reckon it any affliction,
but that he is concerned for them, lest, by casting stones at him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how moses when.htm

The Casting Out of Devils.
... THE CASTING OUT OF DEVILS. ... the deeper prayer, that is, the need and misery of the
man, the horror that made him cry and cut himself with stones"and commanded ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... headlong. Shouts and maledictions filled the air. Some were casting stones
at Him, when suddenly He disappeared from among them. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

If Some One, Despising the Deities, and Furious with a Savagely ...
... For if it is certain that men are sprung originally from the casting of stones,
it must be believed that she too was one of us, since she was produced by means ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/8 if some one despising.htm

Matt. Iii. 7
... Seest thou how by casting out their carnal relationship, he is bringing in that
which is ... For having said that "God is able of these stones to raise up children ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xi matt iii 7.htm

Temptation
... If our Lord could make stones into bread to satisfy His hunger, why should He not ...
He was the Son of God, their divine King and Saviour, by casting Himself down ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon vii temptation.htm

Resources
What is deliverance ministry, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Are there different types of demons? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.org

Casting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Casting

Casting Lots

Casting out Demons

Casting Pearls Before Swine

Casting Stones

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