Introduction

Proverbs 6:17 lists ‘hands that shed innocent blood’ as the third thing God detests. While no one is completely innocent due to sin, taking another’s life, except in self-defense, is an act that God abhors. The focus of this article is on this very topic.

Definitions

From Webster’s 1828 Dictionary we have the following definitions…

Innocent—2. Free from guilt; not having done wrong or violated any law; not tainted with sin; pure; upright. 

Shed—1. To pour out; to effuse; to spill; to suffer to flow out; as, to shed tears; to shed blood.

Bible Example from O.T.

The most notable example of this is found in Genesis 4:1-10; the story of Cain and Abel. This a simple case of jealousy and sibling rivalry. God gave both of them instructions on how to properly worship Him and what offering was to be provided. Though the scriptures do not say exactly what was to be given, we know that Abel’s was acceptable and Cain’s was not (vs.3-5).

The writer of Hebrews states the reason as such, By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. (Hebrews 11:4) And where did Abel’s faith come from? The apostle Paul gives the answer, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) If one simply worships God the way He commands us, rather than the way we want to, we can live a faithful life like Abel.

Later, when in the field together, Cain killed his brother (vs. 8). The verse states that Cain talked with his brother first. Some translations say that he suggested they go into the field. If this is true, then the murder is premeditated and, going into the field, is to distance themselves from witnesses. However, the only witness to this murder is God Himself.

Observe verse 9, Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Although this question was unnecessary, since God already knew, He was giving Cain the opportunity to confess and tell the truth. Much like what happened the day when both Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (See Gen. 3:8-10). God asked where they were even though He already knew what happened. He gave them a chance to tell the truth which is why what He was doing for Cain.

Lying about the incident only makes the sin worse. The apostle John wrote, He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. (1 John 3:8-12)

Bible Example from N.T.

Naturally, when we think of “shedding innocent blood”, we think of Christ, our Lord and Savior, and the events that led up to His crucifixion. In Mt. 26:14-15, we read of Judas going to chief priests to betray Jesus. Although the reason for his betrayal is not specifically given, the fact that he asked for something in return could be a major factor. He was given thirty pieces of silver which was, at that time, the amount for a slave (Ex. 21:32).

When Jesus was arrested, and led away by Roman soldiers, Judas returned to the priests realizing he made a huge mistake. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” (Matthew 27:3-4) However this remorseful feeling was not enough to led to repentance. Rather, he committed suicide by hanging himself (vs. 5).

What about Abortion?

This has continuously been a hot topic in the United States today and, since the repeal of Roe vs. Wade, it’s become even more of a tragic situation. As much as I’d like to include this subject as part of this article, it is too large to do so. Therefore, it’s a separate article that you can read here.

Conclusion

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:21-22)

Not only did our Savior condemn murder, he also condemned unwarranted anger which could lead to acts of violence. As Paul wrote, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)