Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Committing suicide refers to the act of intentionally taking one's own life. Within the context of the Bible, suicide is a complex issue that is not directly addressed in terms of explicit commandments or prohibitions. However, the sanctity of life is a fundamental principle throughout Scripture, and the act of taking one's own life is generally viewed as contrary to God's will. Biblical Instances: The Bible records several instances of suicide, each with its own context and implications: 1. Saul · In 1 Samuel 31:4, King Saul, after being critically wounded in battle and fearing capture by the Philistines, takes his own life by falling on his sword. "Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!' But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it." 2. Ahithophel · In 2 Samuel 17:23, Ahithophel, a counselor to Absalom, hangs himself after his advice is not followed. "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb." 3. Zimri · In 1 Kings 16:18, Zimri, after a brief reign as king, sets the royal palace on fire and dies in the flames when he sees that the city has been taken. "When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set it on fire around him. So he died." 4. Judas Iscariot · In Matthew 27:5, Judas, after betraying Jesus, is filled with remorse and hangs himself. "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself." Theological Considerations: The act of suicide raises significant theological questions about the nature of life, human suffering, and the sovereignty of God. The Bible emphasizes that life is a gift from God, and humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is often interpreted to include self-murder, as life is to be preserved and respected. Hope and Redemption: While the Bible does not provide a direct discourse on suicide, it offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to find solace in God's presence and promises, even in times of despair. Psalm 34:18 states, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." Additionally, 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures believers that God provides a way out of temptation and trials: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." Pastoral Care and Support: The Christian community is called to support those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, offering compassion, understanding, and practical help. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The church is to be a place of refuge and healing, pointing individuals to the hope and life found in Christ. Conclusion: While the Bible does not explicitly address the morality of suicide, the overarching biblical narrative affirms the value of life and the hope available through faith in God. Believers are encouraged to seek God's presence and the support of the Christian community in times of distress. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 6:19-20What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? Topicalbible.org 1 John 1:9 Exodus 20:13 1 Corinthians 15:26 Library That Christians have no Authority for Committing Suicide in any ... Sixth Commandment City of God Christ and Beelzebub Of the Difference Between Life and Death; of the Breath of Life ... To the Rev. A. Brandram Psalm CXXXIII. The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church. The Influence of St. Augustin Upon Posterity, and his Relation to ... Sovereignty of God in Administration Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the blasphemy challenge? | GotQuestions.org What is the No True Scotsman fallacy? | GotQuestions.org Committing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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