Leviticus 24:16

Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.

Study Bible

Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD
Blasphemy in the biblical context refers to showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. The "name of the LORD" signifies God's character and authority. In ancient Israel, God's name was considered sacred and inviolable, reflecting His holiness and the covenant relationship with His people. This command underscores the seriousness of maintaining reverence for God, as seen in the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7).

must surely be put to death;
The death penalty for blasphemy highlights the gravity of the offense in the theocratic society of Israel. It served as a deterrent to prevent the community from falling into idolatry or disrespecting God. This reflects the holiness code in Leviticus, emphasizing purity and reverence. The severity of the punishment underscores the importance of God's holiness and the need for the community to uphold it.

the whole assembly must surely stone him,
Stoning was a communal act, involving the entire assembly, which reinforced the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's laws. This method of execution was public and served as a powerful deterrent. It also ensured that the community was united in maintaining the sanctity of God's name, as seen in other instances of communal judgment (Deuteronomy 17:7).

whether he is a foreign resident or native;
This phrase indicates that God's laws applied equally to everyone within the community, regardless of their origin. It reflects the inclusive nature of God's covenant, where both Israelites and foreigners living among them were subject to the same standards of holiness. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where salvation and God's laws are extended to all people (Galatians 3:28).

if he blasphemes the Name,
The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the offense. "The Name" is a metonym for God Himself, indicating the deep respect and reverence required for God's identity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the power and sanctity of God's name, as seen in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9).

he must be put to death.
The reiteration of the death penalty underscores the unchanging nature of God's justice and the importance of upholding His holiness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity (Romans 6:23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, representing His holiness and authority.

2. The Congregation of Israel
The assembly of the Israelites, responsible for upholding God's laws.

3. Foreign Resident (Ger)
A non-Israelite living among the Israelites, subject to the same laws.

4. Blasphemer
An individual who speaks irreverently or disrespectfully about God.

5. Stoning
A method of capital punishment used in ancient Israel for certain transgressions.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Name
God's name is holy and should be treated with the utmost respect. This commandment underscores the importance of honoring God in our speech and actions.

Community Responsibility
The entire congregation was involved in the execution of justice, highlighting the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws and maintain holiness within the community.

Equality Before the Law
Both native Israelites and foreign residents were subject to the same laws, demonstrating God's impartiality and the universal application of His standards.

Seriousness of Blasphemy
Blasphemy is a grave sin with severe consequences, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the misuse of His name.

New Testament Perspective
While the New Testament does not prescribe stoning, it continues to emphasize the importance of reverence for God and the seriousness of blasphemy, calling believers to a higher standard of speech and conduct.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the commandment in Leviticus 24:16 reflect the holiness of God's name, and how can we apply this understanding in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the communal aspect of the punishment for blasphemy in ancient Israel inform our understanding of community responsibility in the church today?

3. How does the inclusion of both native Israelites and foreign residents under the same law demonstrate God's justice and impartiality?

4. What are some modern-day examples of blasphemy, and how can Christians respond to them in a way that honors God?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament guide us in understanding and applying the principles of reverence for God's name in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of not taking the Lord's name in vain, highlighting the sacredness of God's name.

Matthew 12:31-32
Jesus speaks about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, showing the seriousness of blasphemy in both Old and New Testaments.

Acts 7:58-60
The stoning of Stephen, which reflects the practice of stoning as a communal act of judgment.

James 3:9-10
Discusses the power of the tongue and the importance of using it to bless rather than curse, aligning with the reverence due to God's name.