Topical Bible: Defilement: Moral, Caused by Blood Shedding

◄ Defilement: Moral, Caused by Blood Shedding ►

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In the biblical context, defilement refers to a state of impurity or uncleanness that separates individuals from the holiness required by God. One significant cause of moral defilement in Scripture is the shedding of blood, which is often associated with violence, murder, and the desecration of life, a gift from God.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the gravity of bloodshed and its defiling effects. In Genesis 4:10, after Cain murders Abel, God says, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." This passage underscores the belief that bloodshed pollutes the land and cries out for divine justice.

The Mosaic Law further elaborates on the defilement caused by bloodshed. Numbers 35:33-34 states, "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." Here, the shedding of innocent blood is seen as a pollutant that defiles the land, making it unfit for God's presence. The law required that the blood of a murderer be shed to atone for the defilement, as seen in Numbers 35:31, "Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death."

Ritual and Moral Implications

The defilement caused by bloodshed is not merely ritualistic but deeply moral. The sanctity of life is a core biblical principle, and the unlawful taking of life is a direct affront to God's creation. Leviticus 17:11 emphasizes the sacredness of blood, stating, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls." This highlights the belief that life is sacred and belongs to God, and thus, the shedding of blood without divine sanction is a grave sin.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently addressed the issue of bloodshed and its defiling consequences. Isaiah 59:3-4 warns, "For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice." The prophets called the people to repentance, urging them to cleanse themselves from the moral defilement of bloodshed and to seek justice and righteousness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the theme of defilement through bloodshed continues, though with a focus on the heart's condition. Jesus expands the understanding of murder to include anger and hatred, as seen in Matthew 5:21-22, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

The New Testament also emphasizes the redemptive power of Christ's blood, which cleanses believers from all defilement. Hebrews 9:14 states, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God!" This highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which purifies believers from the moral defilement of sin, including that caused by bloodshed.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on defilement caused by bloodshed underscores the sanctity of life and the moral responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. The shedding of blood is a serious offense that defiles both individuals and the community, requiring atonement and divine intervention for cleansing. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, believers find ultimate purification and reconciliation with God, transcending the defilement of sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:3
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... suffers from a diseased state of mind caused by distress ... account of his mixture with
the blood and fat ... it in reference to the grand moral distinction between ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... he at last adjoineth the righteousness of the moral law, saying ... that be still in
their sin and blood.[17]. ... unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... rich there is discomfort, and disgust and defilement? ... path of repentance, that they
caused the sentence ... their iniquity unspeakable, their moral sores difficult ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm