Murder is the unlawful, willful, and premeditated taking of the life of another. God forbids murder, requiring the life of one who murders as appropriate retribution (Gen. 9.5, 6).

God is the Giver of life; only He has the authority to take it, and to determine the lawful parameters within which men may do the same. Just war, self-defense, and as retribution for murder: these are the main circumstances under which men may take the life of another.

But taking the life of another is much more complex than what appears on the surface. As we shall see, the Law takes great care both to encourage preventive measures against murder and to assure that fair judgments are rendered when the life of a man is lost. Life is God’s most precious gift to men; it must be honored by all and for all.

Life must be guarded by all as well. This commandment which prohibits the taking of life also obligates men to do whatever is necessary to preserve and defend it. Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper,” (Gen. 4.9) is, in this commandment, answered in the affirmative. Human beings are charged with taking measures to protect the lives of their neighbors, and to protect their communities against those who do not regard the lives of men as they should.

Protecting and honoring life begins in the heart, as we shall see. We must guard our own hearts against anything which might put the wellbeing of our neighbors in jeopardy. Guarding against murder, therefore, begins in the heart of each one of us.

T. M. Moore

The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.