§ 1 The text
NASB
Proverbs 24:11-12, NASBDeliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, “See, we did not know this,” does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?
“We are not responsible for those we cannot save through available political means.”
§ 2 The argument
The command is active and urgent — 'deliver those being taken to death' — and the excuse 'we did not know' is rejected by the God who weighs hearts. Abolitionists apply this both to the duty to rescue the unborn and to the refusal to accept ignorance or half-measures as a defense.
§ 3 Context & notes
Supplement; a classic abolitionist rescue text (used historically by anti-slavery abolitionists and by anti-abortion abolitionists). The rejection of the 'we didn't know' plea reinforces the complicity theme of Leviticus 20.
§ 4 Themes
rescue the perishing no excuse God weighs hearts duty to act
§ 5 Discussion questions
- The verse commands us to deliver those 'staggering to slaughter.' What does that require of us regarding the unborn?
- God rejects the plea 'we did not know.' What modern excuses does that confront?