Psalms 106:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:38
38 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.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, discipleship, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 106:38
38 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.
Analysis
This verse expands on child sacrifice's horror. 'They shed innocent blood' emphasizes the victims' innocence. 'Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters' personalizes the tragedy—these were their own children. 'Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan' identifies the false gods as Canaanite deities like Molech, Baal, and Asherah. 'And the land was polluted with blood' uses chaneph (חָנֵף), meaning profaned, defiled, or polluted. Bloodshed pollutes land, crying out for justice (Genesis 4:10; Numbers 35:33-34). Israel's land became defiled through murder, especially of innocent children, requiring purging through judgment (exile). Innocent blood demands justice.
Historical Context
Jeremiah denounced child sacrifice, declaring God never commanded it nor did it enter His mind (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5). The prophets identified it as a primary reason for exile. God's patience endured this abomination for generations before bringing judgment. The pollution of the land parallels how Adam's sin corrupted creation (Genesis 3:17-18; Romans 8:20-22). Only exile and restoration could purge the land's defilement, pointing to Christ's blood that ultimately cleanses from all sin.
Reflection
- How does innocent bloodshed defile a land and cry out for justice?
- What contemporary shedding of innocent blood pollutes our land?
- How does Christ's innocent blood shed on the cross cleanse defilement and satisfy justice?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Numbers 35:33, Deuteronomy 21:9, 2 Kings 21:16, 24:4, Isaiah 1:15, 26:21
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 24:5