Topical Bible: Murder: Described As Killing by an Instrument of Iron

◄ Murder: Described As Killing by an Instrument of Iron ►

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In the biblical context, murder is a grave sin that is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture. One specific description of murder involves the use of an instrument of iron. This form of murder is addressed in the Old Testament, where the use of iron as a weapon signifies premeditated intent to kill, thus carrying severe moral and legal implications.

The Book of Numbers provides a clear directive regarding murder with an iron instrument. Numbers 35:16 states, "If anyone strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death." This passage underscores the seriousness of using an iron instrument to take a life, categorizing the act as murder and prescribing capital punishment for the offender. The use of iron, a material known for its strength and durability, implies a deliberate and forceful act, distinguishing it from accidental or unintentional killing.

The biblical law concerning murder with an iron instrument is part of a broader legal framework given to the Israelites to maintain justice and order within the community. The law serves as a deterrent against violence and upholds the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The prescribed punishment reflects the principle of retributive justice, where the penalty corresponds to the severity of the crime.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, iron was a valuable and relatively advanced material, often used for tools and weapons. Its mention in the context of murder highlights the premeditated nature of the crime, as the perpetrator would have had to intentionally select and use such a weapon to inflict harm. This premeditation is a key factor in distinguishing murder from manslaughter, which might involve accidental or unintentional killing.

The moral and legal implications of murder with an iron instrument are further emphasized by the broader biblical teaching on the sanctity of life. The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), establishes a foundational ethical principle that is reiterated throughout Scripture. The intentional taking of life with an iron instrument is a direct violation of this commandment and is treated with utmost seriousness.

In summary, the biblical description of murder involving an iron instrument highlights the premeditated and intentional nature of the act. It is a violation of divine law, carrying severe consequences to uphold justice and the sanctity of life. The use of iron as a weapon signifies a deliberate choice to commit murder, distinguishing it from other forms of killing and underscoring the moral gravity of the offense.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 35:16
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... the unpleasant consciousness of probable murder, and make ... into Palestine and conquered
it, killing Josiah, the king ... Curtius, a Roman, has described the entrance ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Bardesan.
... the books of the Egyptians, in which are described all the ... himself even to the extent
of killing his accuser ... not compel the Seres to commit murder against their ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents bardesan.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... They dispense with the sixth commandment, making murder meritorious in case of ... 2]
God is described by his ... blasting the fruits of the earth, and killing all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Religion and Amusement.
... no amusement, but only a tedious method of killing time. ... thought is of the same piece
with the act of murder. ... It may be described as an attempt to invalidate a ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/religion and amusement.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... empire, which caused the calamitous state described by Gregory? ... ourselves by the
daily plundering, killing, and maiming ... and he ended with the murder not only ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... allowed his flocks to suffer; and the killing of a ... to the conclusion that the ceremony
described by the ... leads Marquart to believe that the murder of Astyages ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... by its votaries, but have frequently described its outward ... the copper, bronze, and
above all iron, which the ... the gods, the king must expiate the murder of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... and make his hoofs of iron (Deuteronomy 33 ... is intended in the text which is aforesaid
described. ... be drawn into fornication, adultery, murder, theft, blasphemy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... Hence his misery and internal conflicts, perhaps the most remarkable of any upon
record. His own Giant Despair seized him with an iron grasp. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Holy War,
... displayed in Satan's counsel, are described in a ... tyranny, and cruelty; with spoiling,
murder, ambition, filthiness ... as hot as a red hot iron,' threatening fire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm