Topical Bible: Blasphemy: The Danite

◄ Blasphemy: The Danite ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Blasphemy, as depicted in the Bible, is a grave sin involving the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. One of the most notable instances of blasphemy in the Old Testament involves a man of the tribe of Dan, whose actions led to a significant legal precedent for the Israelites.

Biblical Account

The account of the Danite's blasphemy is found in Leviticus 24:10-16. The narrative describes a conflict between the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father, who went out among the Israelites. During a fight with an Israelite man, the son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name of the LORD with a curse. This act of blasphemy was unprecedented and required divine guidance for judgment.

Leviticus 24:11-12 states: "The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them."

Divine Judgment and Legal Precedent

The LORD instructed Moses on how to handle the situation, establishing a legal precedent for dealing with blasphemy. Leviticus 24:13-16 records God's command: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire congregation is to stone him. And you are to tell the Israelites: If anyone curses his God, he will bear the consequences of his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The entire congregation must stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or a native, if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.'"

This directive underscored the seriousness of blasphemy and the sanctity of God's Name. The punishment of stoning was not only a means of purging the sin from the community but also served as a deterrent to prevent others from committing similar offenses.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the incident of the Danite blasphemer highlights the holiness and reverence due to God's Name. In the ancient Israelite context, the Name of the LORD was considered sacred, and any misuse or irreverence was seen as a direct affront to God's majesty and authority. The severe punishment reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience and reverence were paramount.

The account also illustrates the communal responsibility in upholding God's laws. The involvement of the entire congregation in the execution of the punishment signifies the collective duty to maintain the holiness of the community and to act as guardians of God's commandments.

Contemporary Reflections

In contemporary Christian thought, blasphemy remains a serious offense, though the understanding and application of its consequences have evolved. The New Testament reiterates the importance of reverence for God, emphasizing the transformative power of grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. However, the foundational principle of honoring God's Name continues to be a vital aspect of Christian faith and practice.

The account of the Danite blasphemer serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of our words and actions, urging believers to approach God with the reverence and awe that He rightfully deserves.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:11
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him to Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook