Innocent blood
Manasseh filled Jerusalem with the blood of the innocent; in context, the blood appears to be the blood of prophets (2 Ki 21:10-16). This is one of the continuing charges against Manasseh after Josiah’s reign is over (24:3-4). The blood of the prophets (or, at least, of the innocent) calls up the blood avenger who comes to destroy the city.
The pattern is the same in Revelation: The blood of the saints is poured out on the city, and as a result the Lord brings vengeance against the harlot who is drunk with the blood of saints.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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