Topical Bible: Profane Swearing: Son of Israelitish Woman

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the son of an Israelitish woman who engaged in profane swearing is found in the Book of Leviticus, specifically in Leviticus 24:10-16. This narrative provides a significant insight into the seriousness with which the Israelites were to regard the sanctity of God's name and the consequences of blasphemy.

Biblical Account

The incident involves a young man, the son of an Israelitish woman and an Egyptian father, who blasphemed the Name of the Lord during a quarrel. The text states: "Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the Israelites. And a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses" (Leviticus 24:10-11).

The narrative highlights the mixed heritage of the young man, which may have contributed to his lack of reverence for the God of Israel. His actions were not merely a personal offense but a public violation of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Legal and Theological Implications

Upon hearing of the blasphemy, the community brought the offender to Moses, who sought the Lord's guidance. The Lord instructed Moses: "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him" (Leviticus 24:14). This directive underscores the communal responsibility in upholding the holiness of God's name and the severity of the punishment for blasphemy.

The laying of hands by the witnesses symbolized the transfer of guilt and the community's role in executing divine justice. The stoning outside the camp further emphasized the removal of sin from the midst of the people, maintaining the purity of the community.

Mosaic Law and the Sanctity of God's Name

The incident led to the establishment of a legal precedent: "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him, whether he is a foreigner or a native. If he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death" (Leviticus 24:16). This law applied equally to Israelites and foreigners residing among them, reflecting the universal demand for reverence toward God.

The commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain, as stated in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:7), is foundational to understanding this narrative. The prohibition against profane swearing is rooted in the recognition of God's holiness and the respect due to His name.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were not merely labels but were believed to carry the essence and authority of the individual. Thus, to blaspheme the Name of God was to challenge His authority and presence among His people. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were called to reflect His holiness in their conduct and speech.

Contemporary Relevance

The account of the son of the Israelitish woman serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of honoring God's name in all aspects of life. It calls believers to a heightened awareness of the words they speak and the attitudes they harbor toward the divine. The narrative underscores the belief that reverence for God is not only a personal duty but a communal responsibility, integral to the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:11
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him to Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Third Commandment
... my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane my name ... a youth, who was given to swearing,
and inventing ... The Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... it carried conviction to the most impious and profane. ... with the Father, in his Son;
your tenderness ... tender, being few, both for cursing, swearing, lying, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm