What does Psalms 106:38 mean?

And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Psalms 106:38

Explanation

Psalm 106:38 is a condemnation of the ancient Israelites for the practice of child sacrifice, which was part of the worship of false gods during various periods of their history. The verse is explicit in its description, stating that the Israelites shed “innocent blood,” referring to the lives of their own children, whom they sacrificed to the “idols of Canaan.” The psalmist decries these actions as not only murderous but also as acts that defiled the land with bloodshed. This verse speaks to the severe consequences of the Israelites turning away from God and engaging in the abhorrent practices of the nations surrounding them.

Historical Context

Psalm 106 is a historical psalm that recounts the failures of Israel throughout its history, from the Exodus to the period of the Judges and beyond. This particular verse refers to practices that occurred during the times when the Israelites were inhabiting the land of Canaan. During certain periods, some Israelites adopted the worship practices of the Canaanites, which included offering human sacrifices to their gods, such as Molech or Baal. These practices were strictly forbidden by the God of Israel, who commanded the sanctity of human life.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the gravity of sin and the degree to which idolatry can lead people away from the commands of God. In the biblical context, child sacrifice is portrayed as one of the most egregious violations against God’s law. This verse also touches upon the idea of communal responsibility and the effect that sin can have on an entire community, as it speaks of the land itself being polluted by the blood of the innocent.

Practical Applications

The modern reader can apply the teachings of this verse by reflecting on the value of human life and the importance of resisting societal pressures that go against moral and ethical teachings. It calls for vigilance against the modern-day “idols” such as wealth, power, or self-gratification that could lead individuals to compromise their values. The verse also invites readers to consider their impact on the community and environment, stressing the need for righteous living to promote a healthy and just society.

Cross-References

• 2 Kings 17:17 – “And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”
• Jeremiah 19:4-5 – “Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents; They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:”
• Leviticus 18:21 – “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, significant words to analyze include:

• “shed” (שפך shaphak), meaning to pour out, to spill, or to shed, often used in the context of bloodshed.
• “innocent” (נקי naqiy), meaning clean, free from, exempt, or innocent, emphasizing the blamelessness of the children.
• “blood” (דם dam), referring to the life-force or essence of living beings, making the act of shedding blood particularly grave.
• “polluted” (טמא tame), which speaks to becoming unclean or defiled, especially in a ritual sense, indicating the spiritual contamination of the land.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, child sacrifice was practiced among various cultures, including the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and Canaanites. The god Molech, or Moloch, is often associated with these sacrifices in biblical texts. This practice stands in stark contrast to the teachings of the Israelites’ God, who strictly forbid such acts and regarded children as a blessing. The comparison highlights the tension between Israelite and prevailing Canaanite religious practices.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science recognizes the intrinsic value of human life and emphasizes the preservation and well-being of children for the future of any society. From a psychological perspective, the community’s engagement in traumatic practices such as child sacrifice could have long-term detrimental effects on the mental health and societal structure. Archaeological findings have provided evidence for some of these ancient practices, contributing to our understanding of the historical context of the Psalm.

commentaries

Commentators have various interpretations of this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the heinousness of the sin of idolatry and sees child sacrifice as an ultimate manifestation of rebellion against God. In the same vein, The MacArthur Study Bible notes the tragic irony of God’s chosen people partaking in the very practices for which the Canaanite nations were being judged and expelled from the land. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses the cycle of sin and divine judgment and the importance of learning from the mistakes of the Israelites to avoid repeating similar sins.