Topical Bible: Murder: Described As Killing by the Blow of a Stone

◄ Murder: Described As Killing by the Blow of a Stone ►

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In the biblical context, murder is a grave sin, explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Among the various methods of murder depicted in the Scriptures, killing by the blow of a stone is a notable form, often associated with premeditated violence and malice.

The act of murder by stoning is vividly illustrated in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain, in a fit of jealousy and anger, rises against his brother Abel and kills him (Genesis 4:8). While the specific method is not detailed in this passage, Jewish tradition and historical interpretations often suggest the use of a stone, symbolizing the primal and brutal nature of the act.

The Mosaic Law provides further insight into the use of stones as instruments of execution, particularly in the context of capital punishment for certain transgressions. For instance, in Leviticus 24:16, the community is instructed to stone a blasphemer: "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him." This communal act of stoning serves as both a punishment and a deterrent, underscoring the severity of the crime.

In Numbers 35:16-21, the law distinguishes between accidental killing and murder, emphasizing intent and premeditation. If a person strikes another with an iron object, a stone, or a wooden object with the intent to kill, it is considered murder: "If anyone strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. Or if anyone has in his hand a stone capable of causing death and strikes another person with it so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death" (Numbers 35:16-17). This passage highlights the lethal potential of a stone when wielded with intent to harm.

The New Testament also reflects on the theme of murder, expanding the understanding of this sin beyond physical acts to include hatred and anger. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:21-22, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This teaching underscores the heart's condition as central to the sin of murder, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes internal righteousness over mere external compliance.

Throughout Scripture, the act of murder, including killing by the blow of a stone, is consistently portrayed as a violation of God's law and an affront to the sanctity of life. The biblical narrative calls for justice and righteousness, urging believers to uphold the value of life and to seek reconciliation and peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 35:17
And if he smite him with throwing a stone, with which he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. )
... is an additional crime, a second murder, at all ... years; but this is no longer described
as marriage ... of fighting, nor chastising, but of killing their opponents. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxxxviii canonica prima.htm

The Struggle for Life
... state, when he was in the condition described by Mr ... the first place it produces fitness
by killing off the ... massacre of the innocent, the rout and murder of the ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... They have, furthermore, described their exploits with a wealth of ... who of them would
charge us with murder or cannibalism ... a man being put to death and killing him ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... Killing a layman 1.75 ... By the command of God it is lawful to murder the innocent,
to rob and ... In Rev.12:6, the woman (the church) is described as fleeing into the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... one aim was to avenge the murder of her ... behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and
killing sheep, eating ... a combined army capable of striking an important blow. ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.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

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 Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Another stone represented Ida ... and doctrines taught by its votaries, but have frequently
described its outward ... the gods, the king must expiate the murder of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.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