Book of Matthew - Chapter 23 - Verse 35

This verse, found in the book of Matthew, is a stern rebuke from Jesus to the religious leaders of his time. In this passage, Jesus is holding the scribes and Pharisees accountable for the blood of the righteous individuals who have been killed throughout history. The mention of Abel, who was killed by his brother Cain, and Zechariah, who was murdered in the temple, serves as a reference to the first and last martyr in the Hebrew Bible, symbolizing all the innocent blood shed by the hands of the wicked. By saying "upon you may come all the righteous blood," Jesus is emphasizing the principle of divine justice and accountability. He is warning the religious leaders that they will be held accountable for the shedding of innocent blood, a theme that is prevalent throughout the Bible. This verse serves as a reminder that God sees and knows all, and that there will come a day of reckoning for those who commit injustice and harm to the innocent.

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the scribes and Pharisees, condemning them for their hypocrisy and their rejection of the truth. By mentioning the shedding of righteous blood from Abel to Zacharias, Jesus is highlighting the pattern of persecution faced by God's faithful servants throughout history. The reference to Abel, the first martyr in the Bible, represents the beginning of this cycle of violence against the righteous. Zacharias, the son of Barachias, is most likely the prophet Zechariah mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24:20-22, who was killed by the Israelites for speaking out against their sins. The placement of Zacharias "between the temple and the altar" emphasizes the sacredness and irony of his murder, as he was killed in a place meant for worship and atonement. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and mistreating His messengers, challenging readers to examine their own hearts and actions in light of God's call for righteousness and justice.