Regarding our treatment of our fellow human beings, God gave specific laws and ordinances for us to live by. Time or cultural differences do not change the underlying principle that we are to love our neighbors and treat each other properly. The woman and unborn child are certainly no exception.
Exodus 21:22-25 ESV [22] “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. [23] But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Here in Exodus, even an accidental premature birth caused by someone was to be punished. A fine was to be imposed by her husband. It laid before them the caution that should be used when around a woman with a child. But, if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. The same penalty as murder. Significantly, these words are first used here. Even murder did not carry weight as does the accidental death of her unborn child. This passage alone gives us insight into God’s loving protection of unborn babies.
Psalm 127:3 ESV [3] Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Children are a miracle. Children are from the Lord. They belong to him. To take a child’s life at any stage is to take God’s reward away. His honor and his glory to be enjoyed by the life of that child. Only he knows how much our reckless behavior will impact our lives.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:5-6 ESV [5] “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, [6] but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Even to offend a child is worthy of death. His punishment will be severe.
But, thank God for forging grace. All manner of sin and evil can be forgiven by the blood of Jesus. Jesus, while dying on the cross, said to his father, forgive them for they know not what they’re doing. This was said in the ears of his executioners. This was said for us all. God will forgive even a person responsible for the death of a child. But, the consequences and pain are very devastating for us. Everyone involved in an abortion becomes a victim. There are no winners in that situation. The guilt often lasts a lifetime. Please choose life. Give God his reward.
