Do Not Murder

Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20:13
​
The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder
Reading: Proverbs 1:10-16; I Timothy 1:8-11

You Shall Not Murder
Human life, made in the image (representation) of the Divine, is precious and should be preserved at all costs. Murder displays complete disregard for God’s ultimate creation.

The commandment not to commit murder applies to the individual who kills with
intent (Exodus 21:12-14; Numbers 35:17-21). It does not prohibit the justified taking of life by nations at war. We know this because God called Israel to times of war (Joshua 6:1-21). Similarly, justice exacted by government (capital punishment) does not equate to murder (Romans 13:3, 4). This is also true in the instance when taking life is done to protect innocent life (i.e. self-defense) (Genesis 14:1-16).

The Bible defines murder as an evil act which was punishable by death (Genesis. 9:6; Leviticus. 24:21; Deuteronomy19:11-13; Psalm 10:8). Taking innocent life is the opposite of love (Romans 13:9). It is a companion to hatred (I John 3:15).

Murder’s origin does not begin with the taking of physical life. Murder begins within the
heart (Matthew 5:21, 22). Hatred is the seed which, if left to germinate, produces this sinful act. This is why we must be very careful with the emotion of anger. If anger is not checked by love, it can quickly morph into hatred. We know we have fallen into hatred when we abhor or detest another person.

We walk in dangerous territory when we allow our hearts to detest another person. The act of murder follows hatred within the heart; a conviction that another person does not deserve to live and that we should be the executioner. Such activity within the heart must be confessed as sin before it manifests in action.

Implication
God’s people are never called to hatred. It is an emotion which has no rightful place within our hearts. Rather we are called to love…in all circumstances. God command to believers is always love, both for brethren and enemy (I John 4:20; Matthew 5:43, 44). Love is an act worship to God.

Questions to Ask Yourself
Who do you view as less than human?
Who do you view as undeserving of humane treatment?