Topical Bible: Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Land

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The shedding of human blood is a grave matter in biblical theology, carrying profound spiritual and moral implications. It is not merely an act of violence against an individual but is seen as an offense that defiles the land itself. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The sanctity of human life is established early in the Bible, with the creation of man in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The shedding of human blood is thus an affront to the divine image and a violation of God's command. In Genesis 9:6, God declares, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind" . This establishes the principle of retributive justice and underscores the seriousness of taking a human life.

Defilement of the Land

The concept of bloodshed defiling the land is particularly emphasized in the Mosaic Law. In Numbers 35:33-34, the Lord instructs the Israelites, "Do not pollute the land where you are, for bloodshed defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites" . This passage highlights the spiritual pollution caused by murder and the necessity of justice to cleanse the land.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The defilement of the land through bloodshed is not merely a physical or legal issue but a spiritual one. The land is seen as a sacred space where God dwells among His people. The presence of innocent blood cries out for justice, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel, where God says, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This cry for justice reflects the moral order established by God, where life is to be protected and honored.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently warned Israel about the consequences of bloodshed and injustice. In Isaiah 59:3, the prophet laments, "For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice" . Such actions are seen as a breach of covenant faithfulness and a cause for divine judgment. The land, defiled by bloodshed, becomes a witness against the people, leading to exile and desolation.

Redemption and Atonement

While the shedding of blood defiles the land, the Bible also presents a path to redemption and atonement. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, addresses the need for cleansing and reconciliation. Hebrews 9:22 states, "According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" . This points to the redemptive work of Christ, whose blood cleanses not only individuals but also restores the sanctity of creation.

In summary, the shedding of human blood is a profound violation of divine law, defiling the land and calling for justice. It underscores the value of human life and the need for righteousness and atonement in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 106:38
And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... [818] The typical rite of blood-shedding in sacrifice ... forms, on account of his mixture
with the blood and fat ... of your god had, like a rational human soul, the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... and destruction from Egypt, or in the land of Zabulon ... did his Godhead assume our
human flesh, in ... The Son's righteousness, the Son's blood; the righteousness of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... took not upon him a particular person, though he took to him a human body and soul ...
'Christ must needs have suffered,' for 'without shedding of blood is no ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... the throne of grace: that throne is sprinkled with blood; yea, in ... which, as we have
showed, is the human nature of ... a pool of water, and the dry land springs of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Doctrine
... He felt, as to human teaching, his weakness, but proved that, "when he was weak ... life
or by the blood of some other man; for "without shedding of blood is no ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm