Topical Bible: Murder: Described As Killing by Lying in Wait

◄ Murder: Described As Killing by Lying in Wait ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Murder, as described in the Holy Scriptures, is a grave sin that involves the intentional taking of another person's life. One specific form of murder is characterized by premeditation and deceit, often referred to as "killing by lying in wait." This act is condemned throughout the Bible as a violation of God's commandments and an affront to His divine order.

Biblical Definition and Context

The concept of murder by lying in wait is rooted in the idea of premeditated violence, where the perpetrator deliberately plans and executes the act of killing. This is distinct from manslaughter or accidental death, which are treated differently in biblical law. The intentional nature of lying in wait underscores the malice and forethought involved, making it a particularly heinous form of murder.

Scriptural References

The Bible provides clear instructions regarding the sin of murder, particularly when it involves deceit and premeditation. In the Book of Exodus, the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) establishes the foundational prohibition against taking innocent life. Further elaboration is found in the legal codes of the Old Testament, which address the nuances of murder and its consequences.

Deuteronomy 19:11-12 states: "But if someone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, attacks him, and strikes him fatally so that he dies, and he flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city shall send for him, take him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood to die." This passage highlights the premeditated nature of lying in wait and the community's responsibility to ensure justice is served.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, murder by lying in wait is not only a crime against the individual but also a sin against God, who is the giver of life. The deliberate planning and execution of such an act reflect a heart hardened against divine law and human compassion. It is a manifestation of the fallen nature of humanity, which seeks to usurp God's authority over life and death.

The moral implications of this sin are profound, as it disrupts the social order and instills fear within the community. The Bible emphasizes the need for justice and retribution in such cases to maintain societal stability and uphold God's commandments. The prescribed punishment serves as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from among the people.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite society, the act of lying in wait to commit murder was seen as particularly egregious due to its calculated nature. The legal system, as outlined in the Mosaic Law, provided cities of refuge for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. However, those who murdered with premeditation were not afforded such protection and were subject to the avenger of blood, a family member tasked with executing justice.

This distinction between accidental and premeditated killing reflects the broader cultural understanding of justice and the value of human life. The community played a crucial role in upholding these values, ensuring that those who violated them faced appropriate consequences.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of murder by lying in wait underscores the severity of premeditated violence and its opposition to God's will. Through scriptural mandates and legal structures, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and addressing this sin, emphasizing the need for justice and the sanctity of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 35:20
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 19:11
But if any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and flees into one of these cities:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... by this man's driving away the physicians, and killing him by ... his child, and condemned
him also for the murder of the ... was dug up on the site described by Justin ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... The killing of the fish, the removal of its heart ... of the Holy Mysteries, appeared
like a cruel murder. ... the shape of which she generally described as octagonal. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.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

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... came from a country still higher up, called Media, lying between two ... as to what they
had seen, and Mensor described to him ... HEROD'S STATE OF MIND - A MURDER. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Chapter xxvi
... So the result of the envy of the Philistines is described. ... now so firmly resolves
to commit murder, even fratricide. ... to take vengeance upon thee by killing thee ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... which caused the calamitous state described by Gregory? ... ourselves by the daily
plundering, killing, and maiming of ... too, had Theodorick, after the murder of his ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Vohu-mano is described as a young man ... tyrants, who incites men to theft and murder;
Naongaithya, arrogance ... or allowed his flocks to suffer; and the killing of a ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of Bit-Dayaukku, which is described as lying between Ellipi ... by its votaries, but
have frequently described its outward ... the king must expiate the murder of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... at a gallop the mummy who is lying on her ... were too prominent, and the crime of killing
a sacred ... offerings was considered as abominable as calumny or murder. ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... is this man that is intended in the text which is aforesaid described. ... me, that if
Christians may be drawn into fornication, adultery, murder, theft, blasphemy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm