In this passage, blasphemy of the name of the Lord is determined to be a capital crime. Those committing that crime would be stoned to death. Moses goes on to reiterate or establish other crimes and their appropriate punishments: Murderers will be killed, those who kill an animal must replace it, basically the “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” law was put into place officially.
In the first part of chapter 25, God calls for a Sabbath rest for the land every seven years, so the land could rest without tilling, pruning, or harvesting. They could eat from the land in the Sabbath year, but not harvest the food as normal.
The law against blasphemy is in agreement with the commandment given on Sinai not to take the name of the Lord God in vain. However, this level of punishment is a further step in establishing the seriousness of God’s prohibition on dishonoring His name. What’s in a name? When that name belongs to the Creator of the Universe, or the Sustainer of the World, then that names carries authority and power, and a commensurate level of awe and respect. Do not dishonor the name of the Lord, for He is God!
Also, the Sabbath rest was given to the land as a powerful reminder that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, and that even the Earth needs a rest, just as God had taught in the Garden of Eden that man needed rest, and God even led the way by taking a rest on the seventh day. Rest is a needed escape from the bustle of society’s demands. We are nearly busied to death with work, recreation, and social interaction. If we stop once in a while to recharge and meditate on the Lord, then we can truly engage the world with clarity and the focus that comes from time with God. Unplug from the world once in a while, and plug into the power of God!
Devoted To You 