The Sin of Bloodshed

The sin of bloodshed.  While sin is sin, there were greater punishments for some sins.  God’s law instructs that the punishment for willful murder is for the murderer to be put to death based on the word of witnesses (Numbers 35:30).  However, the effects of the sin of murder can go beyond the murderer.  We read, “Do not defile the land where you live, for bloodshed defiles the land and there can be no atonement for the land because of the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the person who shed it” (v.33).  So, shedding blood not only defiled the person who committed the murder, but it also effected the land.  If murder was to go unchecked, the land would remain and continue to be defiled.  This text along with our Psalm from yesterday (Psalm 51) caused me to consider a couple of things.  David prays to God and says, “Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God – God of my salvation – and my tongue will sing” (Psalm 51:14).  David did not strike Uriah, but he had him killed.  There would have only been one witness, Joab, to what took place.  However, David was guilty of bloodshed.  He was not killed for this, but this great sin had devastating consequences.  While not facing an earthly trial, David recognized his sin before God. He specifically prays for salvation from the guilt of bloodshed.  It was a heavy burden for David, but he sought the Lord and the Lord delivered.   What a weight to be lifted!!  The thought came to mind, and it is just a thought, but how did David escape the death penalty for this sin?  Someone had to die to atone for it.  My Savior, Jesus, who knew no sin became sin in order that I might be forgiven.  Oh, how my tongue should sing of His righteousness.