Problem: The Bible explicitly condemns human sacrifice (Lev. 18:21; 20:2-5; Deut. 12:31). However, in this passage, we read: “You shall not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me” (Ex. 22:29). Is human sacrifice right or wrong, according to the Bible?
Solution: Note that God merely says to give the firstborn to him –not kill them. This passage actually says absolutely nothing about human sacrifice. Earlier in Exodus, God made it clear that the firstborn of Israel were to be redeemed with money –not sacrifices (Ex. 13:13). In fact, this practice is described in the book of Numbers, as well (Num. 3:46–48). For more comments on the subject of human sacrifice, see Genesis 22.
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. (Ex 22:19)
