Topical Bible: Murder: Forbidden by Mosaic Law

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Topical Encyclopedia

Murder, the unlawful and intentional killing of a human being, is explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, which forms a foundational aspect of the moral and legal code given to the Israelites. The prohibition against murder is rooted in the sanctity of human life, as humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

The Sixth Commandment

The most direct prohibition against murder is found in the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Sixth Commandment states, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the value God places on human life and serves as a clear directive against the taking of life unlawfully.

Further Legal Provisions

Beyond the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic Law provides additional regulations concerning murder. In Numbers 35:16-21, the law distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, prescribing the death penalty for those who commit murder with malice aforethought. The passage 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" (Numbers 35:16). This reflects the principle of retributive justice, where the punishment corresponds to the crime.

Cities of Refuge

The Mosaic Law also establishes cities of refuge to protect those who commit manslaughter, or unintentional killing, from the avenger of blood until a fair trial can be conducted (Numbers 35:9-15). This provision highlights the importance of justice and due process, ensuring that only those guilty of intentional murder are subject to capital punishment.

Murder and the Heart

The prohibition against murder extends beyond the physical act to the intentions of the heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on this commandment, teaching that anger and hatred towards others are morally equivalent to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). This interpretation emphasizes the internalization of the law, urging believers to cultivate a heart of love and reconciliation.

Theological Implications

Murder is not only a crime against humanity but also a sin against God, who is the giver of life. The act of murder usurps God's sovereign authority over life and death, making it a grave offense with spiritual consequences. The Mosaic Law's prohibition against murder reflects God's justice and His desire for a society that upholds the dignity and worth of every individual.

Conclusion

The prohibition of murder in the Mosaic Law is a testament to the value God places on human life and the importance of justice within the community. Through the law, God establishes a framework for dealing with the sin of murder, ensuring that justice is served while also providing mercy and protection for those who act without malicious intent.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:13
You shall not kill.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:17
You shall not kill.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law?
... neither was it sinful under the Mosaic law to divorce ... sins are said to be permitted
because they are not forbidden. ... a greater evil, namely wife-murder to which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was lawful to.htm

Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ...
... 5.) The Mosaic law, moreover, corresponding ... Reviling is purposely put side by side
with murder, bemuse the ... 404] Polygamy was not yet wholly forbidden among the ...
/.../section 155 fulfilling of the.htm

Weighed in the Balances
... the greatest offence in each class is expressly forbidden. ... Murder must include every
injury to life; adultery ... done away with when the Mosaic Law was fulfilled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

The Maccabees.
... synagogue, because Antiochus had only forbidden reading the Law ... named Trypho, who
designed the murder of his ... inhabitants, and brought them under the Mosaic Law. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

Commerce
... and of the details of the Mosaic legislation, the ... that event, and afterwards from
the murder of Gedaliah. ... of the public, agriculturists were forbidden to sell ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... Short enumeration of forbidden shapes. ... look is adultery, and that hatred of a brother
is murder. ... of an evangelical, to supply the deficiency of the Mosaic Law. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Acts xv. 13, 15
... things strangled," it says, "and from blood." Here it prohibits murder. ... and from
things strangled and from blood was forbidden in the Mosaic law (Exodus 34 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiii acts xv 13.htm

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
... commit sin; yea, the horrid sins of adultery and murder. ... not unto God, but unto the
forbidden object, till ... and the other rites of the Mosaic law,) and regard ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 19 the great privilege.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... refrain from such acts because it is forbidden in the ... we believe the abolition of
the whole Mosaic system to ... as though it were some form of murder, lying, or ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... strangest Jewish ordinances, which extended the mosaic law of tithing ... sent them of
Him; and only murder, sufferings, and ... such phila of the world is forbidden (St ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm