Topical Bible: Murder: Cries for Vengeance

◄ Murder: Cries for Vengeance ►

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Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life, is a grievous sin that cries out for divine justice and vengeance. The Bible consistently portrays murder as an act that defiles the land and demands retribution. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the gravity of murder and its consequences are made clear.

The First Murder and Its Consequences

The first recorded murder in the Bible is the killing of Abel by his brother Cain. This act of fratricide is not only a personal tragedy but also a cosmic offense that cries out to God for justice. In Genesis 4:10, the Lord confronts Cain, saying, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." This passage underscores the belief that innocent bloodshed demands a response from God, as the very earth is tainted by such violence.

The Sanctity of Life

The sanctity of human life is a foundational principle in Scripture, rooted in the belief that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This divine image bestows inherent value and dignity upon every person, making the act of murder not only a crime against humanity but also an affront to God Himself. Genesis 9:6 reinforces this principle: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind."

The Law and Justice

The Mosaic Law provides clear directives regarding murder and its punishment. Exodus 20:13 succinctly commands, "You shall not murder." This commandment is further elaborated in the legal codes of the Torah, which prescribe capital punishment for intentional murder, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the taking of innocent life. Numbers 35:33-34 warns, "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." The land itself is seen as being polluted by bloodshed, necessitating justice to restore purity and divine presence.

Cities of Refuge

In His mercy, God also established cities of refuge for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. These cities provided a haven where the accused could seek asylum until a fair trial could be conducted (Numbers 35:9-15). This provision highlights the distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing, ensuring that justice is tempered with mercy.

Divine Vengeance and Human Responsibility

While human justice systems are tasked with addressing murder, ultimate vengeance belongs to God. Romans 12:19 instructs believers, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This assurance allows Christians to trust in God's perfect justice, even when human systems fail.

The Cry of the Martyrs

In the New Testament, the theme of cries for vengeance is echoed in the vision of the martyrs in Revelation. Revelation 6:9-10 describes the souls of those slain for their testimony, crying out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell on the earth and avenge our blood?" This imagery reinforces the belief that God hears the cries of the innocent and will ultimately vindicate them.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms the seriousness of murder and the divine mandate for justice. From the blood of Abel to the cries of the martyrs, Scripture testifies to a God who hears the cries for vengeance and promises to act in righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:10
And he said, What have you done? the voice of your brother's blood cries to me from the ground.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Growth and Power of Sin
... away from God, they will soon murder one another. ... God, but not to plead for vengeance,
but pardon ... through earth and skies, Mercy, free, boundless mercy, cries.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... This is the first murder thou hast ever seen; the first blood of man that ever stained ...
thou sayest not one word of vengeance! All that this blood cries is peace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Vengeance as a bloodhound pursues the murderer. ... (2) They wilfully murder their own
souls ... The soul cries out in you, I am killing myself; I am murdering myself. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Free Grace
... He has committed high treason, murder, rebellion, and every possible ... but that,
contrariwise, his whole character cries aloud for vengeance against his sin ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/free grace.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... knew that such a promise would delay the vengeance of Herod ... faces, but I know your
plan is murder, and if ... Crowding forms and cries of terror filled the darkness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

Prolonged Agony
... were placarded with notices threatening exemplary vengeance on all ... and swearing that
he would murder Chrysostom. ... a second, who fled from him with loud cries. ...
/.../chapter l prolonged agony.htm

India's Ills and England's Sorrows
... have I regarded all battles as but murder on a ... Ye talk of vengeance, but ye know
not the men ... your terror beyond all description, when he cries, "Depart, ye ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/indias ills and englands sorrows.htm

Unimpeachable Justice
... that the murderer's blood must be shed for murder; but there ... be no doubt when God
himself executes vengeance for a ... but with tears in his eyes he cries, "O God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/unimpeachable justice.htm

Christ --Our Substitute
... She proposed that when a man committed murder, he should ... our sins needed discipline,
but penal vengeance and righteous ... shuts out his prayer; he cries for water ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christour substitute.htm

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... an Apostle; and that he who joined in the murder of a ... he appeals to the tribunal
of heaven, and dies invoking its vengeance. ... "Lord," cries exasperated nature ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm