65. Blasphemy and Social Order (Leviticus 24:17-23)

• Jun, 23 2025

Blasphemy and the Foundation of Law and Justice (Leviticus 24:17–23)Blasphemy in Leviticus: A Threat to Divine Order In Leviticus 24:17–23, the divine law addresses not only murder and restitution but also the sin of blasphemy. These verses clarify that blasphemy is more than offensive speech—it is a rejection of God's authority, and by extension, a threat to the entire structure of law and justice.This section follows the case of a man stoned for blaspheming God (vv. 10–16). The continuation here explains why such a penalty was necessary: God's law is absolute, universal, and impartial, applying equally to Israelites and strangers (v. 22). Violating God's honor is akin to denying the legitimacy of all moral order, thereby opening the door to chaos.God’s Law Is the Basis for All Social Order Rushdoony emphasizes that law is never neutral—it always reflects some underlying theology. If society rejects God’s authority, it replaces divine law with state fiat, or man-made law, which leads to tyranny. Without divine law:True justice is lost Blasphemy is normalized Rights and protections become subject to state control The passage insists that life is sacred (v. 17) and must be protected by exact justice. This principle—lex talionis, or "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (vv. 19–20)—is not primitive revenge, but a balanced, public standard of justice, affirming human dignity and accountability.Retribution, Restitution, and ResponsibilityLeviticus 24:17–23 outlines three key legal concepts that uphold biblical social order:Retribution: The punishment must match the offense. For murder, there is no substitute—life must be given for life (v. 17, 21). This protects the value of life and reflects divine justice. Restitution: When animals or property are damaged, compensation is required (v. 18). This restores social and economic balance. Responsibility: Individuals are accountable for all consequences of their actions, including the behavior of their animals or structural hazards (cf. Ex. 21:29; Deut. 22:8). Justice under God’s law is objective and restorative, not psychological or therapeutic. Modern approaches that replace justice with psychotherapy, class struggle, or racial ideology undermine true righteousness.The Universal Reach of God’s Law Leviticus 24:22 proclaims, “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.” This declares that God’s law is binding on all people, regardless of race, class, or citizenship.This universal standard opposes all forms of partiality or relativism. Whether Israelite or foreigner, all are accountable to the same moral standard. This is essential for:Justice without bias Protection of human dignity A stable and moral legal system The death sentence for blasphemy affirms the foundational truth that God is the ultimate Lawgiver. To attack His name is to challenge His throne, and thus the entire moral and legal structure of the world.Modern Misconceptions and the Sermon on the MountCritics often claim that Jesus nullified the “eye for eye” principle in Matthew 5:38–42. But Rushdoony and others clarify:Jesus condemned personal revenge, not public justice. Lex talionis was always meant to be administered through due process, not vigilante retaliation. The Sermon on the Mount calls for grace in personal relationships, while civil justice still requires fair restitution and order. Removing divine retribution from society results in arbitrary human rulership and moral confusion. As Kellogg noted, the historical practice in Israel always prioritized just compensation, not literal mutilation.Blasphemy Is More Than Speech: It’s Systemic Rebellion Blasphemy includes not only profane speech, but any attempt to deny or discredit God’s sovereignty—whether through mocking His power (like Rabshakeh, 2 Kings 18), or by replacing His Word with man’s will.Using God’s Word for selfish ends is also blasphemy. Treating God's law as irrelevant in politics, courts, or education is a form of rebellion. False theology and state idolatries are blasphemous when they claim moral authority apart from God. Scott rightly observed that blasphemy is, by nature, more heinous than theft or murder, because it attacks the very source of life and justice.

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary