Is All Murder Equal in the Eyes of God?
February 12th 2012 21:27
There are many people who have a narrow line of thinking that would include all forms of taking a life are equal. Most of these people are not true Christians and/or do not understand biblical teachings. So, today's lesson is on the question: Is all murder equal in the eyes of God? The short answer is no. But, don't take my word for it, take God's word, let's go into scripture to prove it.
Murder By Self Defense:
Exodus 22:2 “If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.”
Deuteronomy 4:42 “...that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without having hated him in time past, and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live.”
Murder by War:
Deuteronomy 20:1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you...”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (There is a season to kill, ie. war, self defense.)
Psalm 144:1-2 “Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”
Psalm 18:34 “He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
Murder Without Hatred- Unintentional Murder (Crime of Passion):
Exodus 21:12-13 “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.” (below is the continuing verse)
Deuteronomy 4:42 (see above in “self defense” for text)
Deuteronomy 19 (reaffirming Deuteronomy4)
Now let's look into what the tern “kill” means in terms of the original text. There are many words for kill and murder in the ancient languages because they do not all mean the same thing. The type of kill/murder that was used in both the old and New Testaments, in both Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, allude to one specific word usage for the type of murder with the penalty of death. Both mean to “lay in wait” - this simply put is those that kill because of hatred, malice, wickedness without just cause. For example, a person who kills an innocent person who has caused no wrong doing by waiting (“laying in wait”) for the opportune time to kill them. Think back to Cain. His brother did no harm, Cain was jealous and angry, he planned and waited for the right time to strike at his brother for no reason. This takes planning to take another person's life; time, energy and evil obsession to actually carry it out. This is the type of murder for which the penalty is death.
Murdering Innocent People by Laying in Wait:
Exodus 21:14 “But if a man acts with premeditation (lies in wait) against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die.”
For more on the types of murder, read: Numbers 35:9-34
*Easiest tools to help you discover the original words used in the manuscripts for this topic is the Strong's Concordance and the Companion Bible*
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