Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing Persons Condemned by Law
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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 9:6
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
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Exodus 35:2
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whoever does work therein shall be put to death.
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Leviticus 24:16
And he that blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemes the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.
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Resources
Why is "You shall not murder" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org

What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Homicide: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Homicide

Homicide: Accidental

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 by Cain

Homicide: Felonious by Raping

Homicide: Felonious of Amon

Homicide: Felonious of Joash by his Servants

Homicide: Felonious of Sennacherib

Homicide: Felonious, or Murder

Homicide: Felonious: Abimelech

Homicide: Felonious: Abner

Homicide: Felonious: Absalom

Homicide: Felonious: Ahab and Jezebel

Homicide: Felonious: Amaziah's Soldiers

Homicide: Felonious: Ammonites

Homicide: Felonious: An Amalekite

Homicide: Felonious: Athaliah

Homicide: Felonious: Baasha

Homicide: Felonious: Barabbas

Homicide: Felonious: David

Homicide: Felonious: Ehud

Homicide: Felonious: Hazael

Homicide: Felonious: Herod

Homicide: Felonious: Herod Antipas

Homicide: Felonious: Herod the Great

Homicide: Felonious: Ishmael

Homicide: Felonious: Jael

Homicide: Felonious: Jehoram

Homicide: Felonious: Jehu

Homicide: Felonious: Joab

Homicide: Felonious: Joash

Homicide: Felonious: Lamech

Homicide: Felonious: Manasseh

Homicide: Felonious: Menahem

Homicide: Felonious: Moses

Homicide: Felonious: Nebuchadnezzar

Homicide: Felonious: Pharaoh

Homicide: Felonious: Rechab and Baanah

Homicide: Felonious: Sanhedrin

Homicide: Felonious: Sanhedrin and Pilate

Homicide: Felonious: Simeon and Levi

Homicide: Felonious: Solomon

Homicide: Felonious: Zimri

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: Punishment of

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

Murder (41 Occurrences)

Asylum

Manslayer (20 Occurrences)

Atargatis

Homewards (1 Occurrence)

Homo

Family (438 Occurrences)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Sojourner (81 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Stranger (152 Occurrences)

Proselyte (2 Occurrences)

Law (670 Occurrences)

Monthly (11 Occurrences)

Nehelamite (4 Occurrences)

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)

Homicide: Justifiable, Described as Killing Enemies in Battle
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