Psalm 106:38

They shed innocent blood--the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.

Study Bible

They shed innocent blood
This phrase highlights the gravity of the sin committed by the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "innocent" is "naqiy," which implies purity and blamelessness. The shedding of innocent blood is a direct violation of God's commandments, particularly the prohibition against murder. Historically, this refers to the heinous practice of child sacrifice, which was prevalent among the Canaanite tribes. The Israelites, in their disobedience, adopted these detestable practices, thus incurring God's wrath. This phrase serves as a stark reminder of the sanctity of life and the severe consequences of straying from God's laws.

the blood of their sons and daughters
This phrase emphasizes the personal and familial nature of the sin. The Hebrew word for "sons" is "ben" and for "daughters" is "bat," both of which denote not just offspring but a continuation of one's lineage and heritage. The sacrifice of one's children to idols was not only a moral atrocity but also a betrayal of the covenantal promise to raise a godly generation. It reflects a deep spiritual corruption where the most vulnerable and cherished members of society were offered up in misguided worship, highlighting the depth of Israel's apostasy.

whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan
The act of sacrifice here is described by the Hebrew word "zabach," which means to slaughter or offer up. The "idols of Canaan" refers to the false gods worshiped by the Canaanites, such as Baal and Molech, who demanded human sacrifices. This practice was strictly forbidden by God, as seen in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31. The Israelites' participation in such rituals signifies a complete abandonment of their faith in Yahweh and an adoption of pagan customs, leading to spiritual and moral decay.

and the land was polluted with blood
The term "polluted" comes from the Hebrew "tame," meaning to defile or make unclean. The shedding of innocent blood defiled the land, making it unfit for God's presence. This concept is rooted in the belief that the land itself is a sacred gift from God, meant to be a place of holiness and righteousness. The bloodshed brought about a spiritual contamination that required divine judgment and cleansing. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the communal and environmental impact of sin, urging believers to uphold justice and purity in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who were led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, yet often fell into idolatry and disobedience.

2. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, inhabited by various pagan nations whose practices included child sacrifice.

3. Idols of Canaan
Pagan deities worshiped by the Canaanites, often involving detestable practices such as child sacrifice.

4. Innocent Blood
Refers to the children who were sacrificed, highlighting the gravity of the Israelites' sin.

5. Pollution of the Land
The spiritual and moral defilement that resulted from the shedding of innocent blood, affecting the entire land of Canaan.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and the shedding of innocent blood is a grave sin. We must uphold the sanctity of life in our own contexts, advocating for the vulnerable and voiceless.

The Dangers of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to moral decay and spiritual blindness. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism and self-worship.

Consequences of Sin
Sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. We must seek repentance and restoration through Christ.

Cultural Influence
The Israelites were influenced by the surrounding cultures, leading to their downfall. We must be vigilant in maintaining our Christian values amidst a secular world.

God's Call to Holiness
God calls His people to be set apart and holy. We must strive to live lives that reflect His character and commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of child sacrifice in ancient Canaan relate to modern issues of life and death, such as abortion or euthanasia?

2. In what ways can idolatry manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our communities uphold the sanctity of life?

4. How can we remain faithful to God's commands in a culture that often contradicts biblical values?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did you seek restoration, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse warns against sacrificing children to Molech, a practice that defiles God's name and the land.

Deuteronomy 12:31
God explicitly commands the Israelites not to imitate the abominable practices of the nations, including child sacrifice.

2 Kings 17:17
Describes how the Israelites engaged in child sacrifice, leading to their eventual exile.

Jeremiah 19:4-5
God condemns the shedding of innocent blood in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, a place associated with child sacrifice.