Deuteronomy 27:25
“‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The curse here isn't just for the murderer, but specifically for the one who profits from shedding innocent blood. This highlights that justice is profoundly corrupted when someone is paid to destroy a life, making the "Amen" of the people a powerful rejection of such greed-fueled wickedness.
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony on Mount Ebal where the people of Israel are gathered to confirm God's covenant. Following the pronouncement of blessings from Mount Gerizim, Moses and the Levites read out a series of curses, each followed by the people's resounding "Amen," signifying their agreement that such transgressions deserve God's judgment. This specific curse targets the heinous act of accepting a bribe to unjustly end an innocent life, a direct violation of God's command for justice.
What makes taking a bribe to kill someone so uniquely evil in God's eyes? It's more than just murder; it's a perversion of justice at its core.
Deuteronomy 27:25 calls down a curse on anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood. This isn't just about the act of killing, but the corrupt motive behind it.
Justice for Sale
This verse highlights that God’s justice is absolute and His hatred for corruption, especially when it leads to the death of the innocent, is profound.
Why did all the people have to say 'Amen' to each curse? What does this collective response signify?
The repeated 'And all the people shall say, Amen' after each curse in Deuteronomy 27 wasn't just a ritualistic echo. It was a powerful declaration of communal agreement and responsibility.
The Power of 'So Be It'
Understand the original words
shochad · Hebrew Noun
A gift, present, or payment given to influence someone's judgment, usually in a legal or official capacity; in Scripture, it is consistently condemned when used to pervert justice.
naqi · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to a person who has committed no crime worthy of death or who has not violated the law; the shedding of such blood is classified by God as a severe injustice and an abomination.
This curse, pronounced as Israel stood on the brink of settling the land, highlights the importance of justice and the sanctity of life in God's covenant. The act of taking a bribe to shed innocent blood was a profound betrayal of the community and God's law, carrying the severest condemnation.
c. 1406 BC
Israel enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, crossed the Jordan River and began their conquest of Canaan. This marked the beginning of their establishment as a nation in their allotted territory.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Curses Proclaimed on Mount Ebal
Joshua led the people in a solemn ceremony as commanded by Moses. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings, while the other six stood on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses on those who broke the Law.
c. 1390 BC
Period of the Judges Begins
Following Joshua's death and the passing of the elders who knew him, Israel entered a period marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance under various judges.
c. 1050 BC
The Monarchy Established
Israel demanded a king, leading to the anointing of Saul, followed by David and Solomon. This shift from tribal leadership to centralized kingship profoundly impacted Israel's governance and society.
This passage also condemns taking bribes, specifically mentioning how they blind the righteous and pervert just words, connecting to the idea of unjust judgment and corruption highlighted in Deuteronomy.
Proverbs 17:15This proverb directly states that declaring the wicked innocent and condemning the righteous are both detestable to the Lord, echoing the severe prohibition against shedding innocent blood for a bribe.
Ezekiel 22:12This verse in Ezekiel lists taking a bribe to shed blood as one of the grave sins of Jerusalem, showing how this specific offense was a persistent issue throughout Israel's history.
Matthew 27:3-4This passage describes Judas returning his bribe money after betraying Jesus to death, grappling with the guilt of his part in shedding innocent blood, illustrating the profound consequence and curse associated with such an act.
cambridgeDeuteronomy 27:25: "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen."
25 . Cp. Deuteronomy 16:19 , and E, Exodus 23:8 , both against all bribes; Ezekiel 22:1-2 , bribes to shed blood .
calvinDeuteronomy 27:11-26: "And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,"
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place: and all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Maledictus vir ille qui fecerit sculptile, et conflatile, abominationem Jehovae, opus manuum artificis, et posuerit in abscondito: et respondebunt universus populus, ac dicent, Amen.
Cursed be he that…
The curse here isn't just for the murderer, but specifically for the one who profits from shedding innocent blood. This highlights that justice is profoundly corrupted when someone is paid to destroy a life, making the "Amen" of the people a powerful rejection of such greed-fueled wickedness.
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony on Mount Ebal where the people of Israel are gathered to confirm God's covenant. Following the pronouncement of blessings from Mount Gerizim, Moses and the Levites read out a series of curses, each followed by the people's resounding "Amen," signifying their agreement that such transgressions deserve God's judgment. This specific curse targets the heinous act of accepting a bribe to unjustly end an innocent life, a direct violation of God's command for justice.
This verse is part of a solemn ceremony on Mount Ebal where the people of Israel are gathered to confirm God's covenant. Following the pronouncement of blessings from Mount Gerizim, Moses and the Levites read out a series of curses, each followed by the people's resounding "Amen," signifying their agreement that such transgressions deserve God's judgment. This specific curse targets the heinous act of accepting a bribe to unjustly end an innocent life, a direct violation of God's command for justice.
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"“‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" — The curse here isn't just for the murderer, but specifically for the one who profits from shedding innocent blood. This highlights that justice is profoundly corrupted when someone is paid to destroy…
