Topical Bible: Murder: God: Abominates

◄ Murder: God: Abominates ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of human life, is unequivocally condemned throughout the Scriptures. From the earliest chapters of the Bible, the sanctity of human life is established, and the act of murder is portrayed as a grave sin against God and humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The prohibition against murder is first explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the value God places on human life, created in His image (Genesis 1:27). The act of murder is not merely a crime against the individual but an affront to God Himself, who is the giver of life.

God's View on Murder

God's abhorrence of murder is evident in His response to the first murder recorded in Scripture. When Cain killed his brother Abel, God confronted him, saying, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This passage highlights God's awareness of and response to the shedding of innocent blood.

The severity of murder is further emphasized in Genesis 9:6, where God declares, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind" . This divine mandate establishes the principle of justice and retribution, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the act of murder.

Murder in the Law

The Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions regarding murder, underscoring its seriousness. Numbers 35:30-31 states, "If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. You must not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death" . These laws reflect the necessity of justice and the protection of society from those who would unlawfully take life.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets frequently condemned murder as a symptom of societal decay and rebellion against God. Isaiah 1:15-17 illustrates God's rejection of worship from those whose hands are "full of blood" and calls for repentance: "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow" . This passage connects the act of murder with broader issues of justice and righteousness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, addressing the heart's intentions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, "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" (Matthew 5:21-22). Here, Jesus emphasizes that murder begins in the heart, with anger and hatred being its root causes.

The apostle John reiterates this teaching, stating, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" (1 John 3:15). This underscores the spiritual dimension of murder, linking it to the condition of the heart and the necessity of love and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, murder is consistently portrayed as an abomination to God, a violation of His divine order, and a sin that demands justice. The Bible's teachings on murder call for a deep respect for human life and a commitment to justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 6:16,17
These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... I have elsewhere shown (Book 3 chap.4 sec.4-7) how cruel murder they commit ... How much
God abominates all the devices of men in his worship, we have a striking ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

The Sixth Book
... Even murderers are not always employed in murder, but they are still murderers ... But
if in our hearts we know that God abhors and abominates them, that as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... are introduced; some from that singular compilation, Clarke's looking-glass for
Saints and Sinners; others from 'Beard's theatre of God's Judgments' and many ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Saved by Grace;
... OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING". ... V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT
GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm