After Moses gave all these instructions to the Israelites, they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him to death. The Israelites did just as the Lord had commanded Moses. [Leviticus 24.23]
What about the rights of the blasphemer?
Well... you see, the blasphemer gave up his rights when he committed blasphemy. Any claim he held on his own life he forfeited when he chose to blaspheme. The burden of his sin fell entirely upon him. The circumstances were just that, circumstances - there was a fight. It takes two to fight, and both men were evidently willing participants. However, only this one man chose to blaspheme God, and with his decision to do so, he usurped his own right to live.
Even though the law had already been given, the people checked in with God again (evidently, due to the circumstances) to make sure of this man's punishment and God confirmed what had already been laid out - the blasphemer must cease to live. The circumstances were irrelevant. Regardless of the reason for the fight, the man blasphemed and that was punishable by death.
There was no fine, no prison sentence, and therefore no reform... only justice.
What about mercy?
Father, please help me to understand Your justice and Your mercy so that I might better understand Jesus.
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