Topical Bible: Murder: Killing a Thief in the Day, Counted As

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In the biblical context, the act of killing a thief during the day is addressed within the Mosaic Law, specifically in the Book of Exodus. The law provides guidance on how to handle situations involving theft and the use of lethal force, distinguishing between actions taken during the day and those taken at night.

The relevant passage is found in Exodus 22:2-3 : "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft."

This passage indicates that the killing of a thief during a nighttime intrusion does not incur bloodguilt, suggesting a recognition of the heightened threat and uncertainty present in such situations. However, the same act committed during daylight hours is treated differently, with the implication that the homeowner or defender has a greater responsibility to avoid lethal force when the threat is more discernible and less immediate.

The distinction made between night and day reflects a broader biblical principle regarding the sanctity of life and the measured use of force. The daylight provides an opportunity for the defender to assess the situation more clearly and potentially seek non-lethal means of resolution. The law emphasizes restitution over retribution, underscoring the value of life and the importance of justice and restoration.

From a theological perspective, this differentiation aligns with the broader biblical narrative that upholds the sanctity of human life, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The law seeks to balance justice with mercy, recognizing the need for protection while also advocating for the preservation of life whenever possible.

The principle of bloodguilt, or the responsibility for unjustly taking a life, is a recurring theme in Scripture. It underscores the moral and spiritual implications of taking another's life and the necessity of adhering to God's commandments regarding justice and righteousness.

In summary, the biblical law concerning the killing of a thief during the day reflects a nuanced understanding of justice, emphasizing the importance of discernment and restraint in the use of force. It serves as a reminder of the value of life and the call to uphold justice in accordance with God's law.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:3
If the sun be risen on him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sixth Commandment
... the house had known in what watch the thief would come ... can't call it anything else
than murder, and he ... young men in this country who are killing their parents ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Conversion.
... even towards the promised land; but when killing thoughts were ... when upon the cross
he took the thief away with ... It stopped his hand of self-murder, it eased him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xi conversion.htm

The Treatise
... must faith still come, even in our day and always. ... by praise and honor; but those
are counted the best ... sin is more grievous before God than murder and adultery ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... so far forth in readiness to murder and slaughter ... so when they asked him the killing
question, he ... heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... to kill again, and when nothing but killing would serve ... that belonged to him for
committing of adultery and murder. ... upon the cross he took the thief away with ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... to kill again, and when nothing but killing would serve ... that belonged to him for
committing of adultery and murder. ... upon the cross, he took the thief away with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Saved by Grace;
... salvation by grace is the most sin-killing doctrine in ... the Holy Spirit of God unto
the day of redemption ... justly arraigned and condemned, as the thief upon the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... Having served for refuge to the thief, the coiner ... we endure ourselves by the daily
plundering, killing, and maiming ... too, had Theodorick, after the murder of his ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... Magdalene, I am Zacheus, I am the thief, I am ... sound sense of death and of the day
of judgment ... see something concerning the beasts that Moses counted clean and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... that are the children of God, as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they are counted the
living ... by time, as we do"a thousand years to him are but as the day that is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm