In the biblical context, murder is a grave sin that is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture. The act of unlawfully taking another person's life is seen as a direct violation of God's commandments and an affront to the sanctity of life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 9:6). The Bible provides various accounts and laws concerning murder, including the consequences for those who commit such acts.

Cain: The First Murderer

The first recorded murder in the Bible is that of Abel by his brother Cain. This act of fratricide is detailed in Genesis 4:8-12. Cain, driven by jealousy and anger, killed Abel, leading to his condemnation by God. As a result, Cain was cursed to be a "restless wanderer on the earth" (Genesis 4:12). This punishment highlights the theme of alienation and restlessness that accompanies the guilt of murder. Cain's status as a wanderer and vagabond serves as a perpetual reminder of his sin and the severed relationship with God and humanity.

The Cities of Refuge

In the Mosaic Law, God provided a system of cities of refuge for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally (Numbers 35:9-15). These cities were established to protect individuals from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. However, this provision did not apply to those guilty of premeditated murder. Numbers 35:16-21 outlines the distinction between accidental killing and murder, emphasizing that a murderer "shall surely be put to death" (Numbers 35:16). The deliberate murderer, unlike the manslayer, had no refuge and was subject to the full extent of the law.

David and Uriah

King David's orchestration of Uriah the Hittite's death is another example of murder in the Bible. In 2 Samuel 11, David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba, sought to conceal his sin by arranging for Uriah to be killed in battle. This act of murder was met with divine displeasure, and the prophet Nathan confronted David, leading to his repentance (2 Samuel 12:9-13). Although David was forgiven, the consequences of his actions brought turmoil to his household, illustrating the far-reaching impact of murder.

The Wanderer Theme in Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs also addresses the theme of murder and its association with a life of instability and wandering. Proverbs 28:17 states, "A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him" . This proverb underscores the idea that those who shed innocent blood are destined to live as fugitives, burdened by guilt and estranged from community and peace.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus teaches that anger and hatred towards others are akin to murder, emphasizing the internal aspect of sin. The apostle John reiterates this in 1 John 3:15, stating, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" . This teaching highlights the spiritual dimension of murder, where even harboring hatred is seen as a violation of God's law.

Throughout Scripture, murder is consistently portrayed as a sin that leads to separation from God and community. The biblical narrative often associates murderers with a life of wandering and instability, reflecting the inner turmoil and alienation that accompany such a grave sin.Genesis 4:14
Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from your face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that finds me shall slay me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The General Conference of 1832
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The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
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