Topical Bible: Murder: Jews

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Topical Encyclopedia

Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life, is a grave sin explicitly condemned in the Bible. Within the context of Jewish history and biblical narrative, the act of murder is addressed with profound seriousness, reflecting the sanctity of life as ordained by God.

Old Testament Context

The prohibition against murder is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "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 seen as an affront not only to the victim but also to God Himself.

The first recorded murder in the Bible is that of Abel by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8). This fratricide highlights the destructive power of sin and jealousy. God's response to Cain, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10), emphasizes the gravity of murder and the divine awareness of such acts.

The Mosaic Law further elaborates on the consequences of murder. Numbers 35:16-21 outlines the distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing, prescribing capital punishment for the former. The cities of refuge were established to protect those who committed manslaughter, allowing for a fair trial (Numbers 35:9-15).

Jewish Historical Context

Throughout Jewish history, the prohibition against murder remained a central tenet of the law. The Jewish legal system, based on the Torah, required thorough investigation and the testimony of multiple witnesses to convict someone of murder (Deuteronomy 17:6). This reflects the high value placed on justice and the protection of innocent life.

The prophets frequently condemned violence and murder as symptoms of a society that had turned away from God. For instance, Isaiah rebukes the leaders of Israel, saying, "Your hands are covered with blood" (Isaiah 1:15), calling for repentance and a return to righteousness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the commandment against murder, expanding its interpretation to include anger and hatred. 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). This teaching emphasizes the heart's condition as the root of sinful actions.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of murder in his epistles, listing it among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Jewish Tradition and Interpretation

In Jewish tradition, the prohibition against murder is not only a legal mandate but also a moral imperative. The Talmud expands on the biblical laws, discussing the ethical implications and the importance of preserving life. The principle of "pikuach nefesh," the preservation of human life, is paramount, allowing for the suspension of other commandments to save a life.

The Jewish understanding of murder extends beyond physical acts to include character assassination and public shaming, recognizing the profound impact of words and actions on a person's dignity and life.

Conclusion

The biblical and Jewish perspective on murder underscores the sanctity of life and the moral responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. The teachings of both the Old and New Testaments call for a heart transformed by God's love, rejecting hatred and violence in all forms.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:15
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Murder of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, the High Priests, as Also ...
The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem. <. ... CHAPTER
22. The Murder Of Aristobulus And Hyrcanus, The High Priests, As Also Of ...
/.../chapter 22 the murder of.htm

How John Slew his Brother Jesus in the Temple; and How Bagoses ...
... went into the temple. Accordingly, Bagoses made use of this pretense, and
punished the Jews seven years for the murder of Jesus. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how john slew.htm

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... I appeal unto Caesar.". Festus knew nothing of the conspiracies of the Jews
to murder Paul, and he was surprised at this appeal to Caesar. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

How There Happened a Quarrel Between the Jews and the Samaritans ...
... But the Jews affirmed that the Samaritans were the authors of this tumult and ... Cumanus
had been corrupted by their gifts, and passed over the murder of those ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how there happened.htm

Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ...
... Reviling is purposely put side by side with murder, bemuse the disposition that
inspires ... [404] Polygamy was not yet wholly forbidden among the Jews, as appears ...
/.../section 155 fulfilling of the.htm

Many Tumults under Cumanus, which were Composed by Quadratus. ...
... waste the country might be punished: the great men also of the Jews, and Jonathan
the ... were the beginners of the disturbance, on account of that murder they had ...
/.../chapter 12 many tumults under.htm

When the Jews were Made Acquainted with These Things done by ...
... When the Jews were made acquainted with these things done by Joseph and Nicodemus ...
respects; and I know also that you, through hatred, managed to murder him: and ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 when the jews.htm

The Jews Greatly Complain of Archelaus and Desire that they May be ...
... and those laws which they had anciently enjoyed; that, in short, the Jews had borne ...
thought the genuine son of Herod, began his reign with the murder of three ...
/.../chapter 6 the jews greatly.htm

The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray.
... Chapter CXXXIII."The hard-heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians pray. ...
and do not repent of it; but so far from that, ye hate and murder us who ...
/.../chapter cxxxiii the hard-heartedness of the.htm

G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... Enough, however, is given to show the infamous baseness of the Jews and the futile
endeavors of Pilate to avoid the judicial murder which he finally committed. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g jesus before pilate ch.htm