God’s Inquisition for Blood – Divine Justice and Accountability
The phrase “inquisition for blood” in the Bible often relates to God’s divine justice and accountability for the shedding of innocent blood. This concept appears in various scriptures, emphasizing God’s concern for justice and the sanctity of life.
1. Psalm 9:12 (KJV)
“When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.”
Context and Interpretation:
- Inquisition for blood: Refers to God’s investigation and avenging of unjust killings. God actively seeks out those responsible for shedding innocent blood.
- He remembereth them: God does not forget the victims of injustice and bloodshed.
- Cry of the humble: The prayers and cries of those oppressed or wronged reach God, showing His compassion for the vulnerable.
Cross References:
- Genesis 4:10: “The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” (God heard Abel’s blood cry out for justice against Cain).
- Revelation 6:10: “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (The martyrs cry out for divine justice).
2. Genesis 9:5 (KJV)
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.”
Context and Interpretation:
- This verse is part of God’s covenant with Noah after the flood, establishing the sanctity of human life.
- Require blood: God holds both animals and humans accountable for taking a human life.
- At the hand of man: Highlights human responsibility in cases of murder, emphasizing that life is sacred because humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 9:6).
- This passage lays the groundwork for the principle of “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:23-25) and the value of justice.
Cross References:
- Numbers 35:33: “Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.”
- Deuteronomy 19:10: Warns against shedding innocent blood and the consequences of bloodguilt.
Theological Significance:
- Divine Justice: God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who will not overlook injustice and bloodshed.
- Accountability: Both human and animal life are under God’s jurisdiction, and He demands justice for wrongful death.
- Mercy and Judgment: While God avenges the innocent, He also provides mercy and redemption through the sacrifice of Christ, whose blood atones for sin (Hebrews 9:22).
Summary:
The concept of “inquisition for blood” emphasizes God’s unwavering commitment to justice and the sanctity of life. Through scriptures like Psalm 9:12 and Genesis 9:5, the Bible underscores the principle that God does not ignore the shedding of innocent blood and will ultimately hold every person accountable.
