Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical law and theology, the concept of justifiable homicide pertains to the taking of a life under circumstances that are sanctioned by divine or civil law. This is distinct from murder, which is the unlawful and immoral taking of life. Justifiable homicide, as described in the Scriptures, often involves the execution of individuals who have been condemned by law for their transgressions.Biblical Foundation The Old Testament provides a framework for understanding justifiable homicide through the Mosaic Law, which includes provisions for capital punishment. The law was given to the Israelites as a means of maintaining justice and order within the community. In Exodus 21:12, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death." This verse underscores the principle of retributive justice, where the punishment corresponds to the crime committed. Capital Punishment in the Law of Moses The Mosaic Law prescribes capital punishment for various offenses, including murder, adultery, idolatry, and blasphemy. For instance, Leviticus 24:17-18 declares, "And if a man takes the life of any human being, he must surely be put to death. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death." This passage highlights the sanctity of human life and the seriousness with which the law treats the act of murder. Role of the Community and Authorities The execution of justice was not left to individuals acting on personal vendettas but was to be carried out by the community or appointed authorities. Deuteronomy 17:6 emphasizes the need for due process: "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness." This requirement for multiple witnesses served as a safeguard against false accusations and ensured that the decision to execute was just and based on credible evidence. Cities of Refuge The concept of cities of refuge, as outlined in Numbers 35, provides further insight into the biblical approach to justifiable homicide. These cities were designated places where individuals who had committed manslaughter—killing without intent—could seek asylum until a fair trial could be conducted. Numbers 35:12 states, "The cities will serve as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." This provision reflects the balance between justice and mercy, ensuring that only those truly guilty of murder faced capital punishment. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not explicitly address the issue of capital punishment, it upholds the principle of justice and the role of governing authorities. Romans 13:4 speaks to the authority of the state to execute justice: "For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer." This passage suggests that the state has the divinely sanctioned authority to administer justice, including the use of capital punishment when necessary. Conclusion The biblical perspective on justifiable homicide, particularly in the context of executing those condemned by law, is rooted in the principles of justice, order, and the sanctity of life. The Scriptures provide a framework for understanding when taking a life is considered justifiable, emphasizing due process, the role of the community, and the authority of the state in maintaining justice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 9:6Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 35:2 Leviticus 24:16 Library Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Resources Why is "You shall not murder" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Homicide: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Homicide: Confinement in the City of Refuge the Punishment For Homicide: David's Repentance For, and Confession of, the Murder of Uriah Homicide: Distinguished from Murder Homicide: Felonious of Joash by his Servants Homicide: Felonious of Sennacherib Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Homicide: Felonious: Abimelech Homicide: Felonious: Ahab and Jezebel Homicide: Felonious: Amaziah's Soldiers Homicide: Felonious: Ammonites Homicide: Felonious: An Amalekite Homicide: Felonious: Herod Antipas Homicide: Felonious: Herod the Great Homicide: Felonious: Nebuchadnezzar Homicide: Felonious: Rechab and Baanah Homicide: Felonious: Sanhedrin Homicide: Felonious: Sanhedrin and Pilate Homicide: Felonious: Simeon and Levi Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing a Manslayer by Next of Kin Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing a Thief in the Night Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing Enemies in Battle Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing Persons Condemned by Law Homicide: Protection Afforded in the Cities of Refuge to Those Guilty Homicide: The Avenger of Blood Might Slay Those Guilty of Unjustifiable Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: Cain Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: David Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: Haman Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: Joab Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: The Murderer of Ish-Bosheth Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: The Murderer of Saul Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: The Murderers of Joash Homicide: Unjustifiable, Described as Killing by Accident Homicide: Unjustifiable, Described as Killing Without Enmity Homicide: Unjustifiable, Described as Killing Without Lying in Wait Related Terms |