Topical Bible: Murder: The Wicked: Devise

◄ Murder: The Wicked: Devise ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Murder, as defined in the Bible, is the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life. It is a grave sin that is condemned throughout Scripture. The act of murder is not only a physical crime but also a reflection of the wickedness that can reside in the human heart. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how the wicked devise murder, highlighting the moral and spiritual corruption that leads to such acts.

Biblical Condemnation of Murder

The prohibition against murder is clearly stated in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Murder is seen as an affront to God Himself, as it destroys His creation and violates His moral order.

The Wickedness of Devising Murder

The Bible often associates the act of murder with the wickedness of the heart. In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord lists things He hates, including "hands that shed innocent blood" and "a heart that devises wicked schemes." This passage highlights that murder is not merely an impulsive act but often the result of deliberate planning and malice.

Examples of Devised Murder in Scripture

1. Cain and Abel: The first murder recorded in the Bible is that of Abel by his brother Cain. Genesis 4:8 states, "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." Cain's act was premeditated, driven by jealousy and anger, illustrating the wickedness that can lead to murder.

2. David and Uriah: King David's orchestration of Uriah's death is another example of devised murder. In 2 Samuel 11:14-15, David sends a letter to Joab, saying, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so that he will be struck down and killed." David's actions were calculated to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, demonstrating how sin can lead to further wickedness.

3. Jezebel and Naboth: In 1 Kings 21, Queen Jezebel plots the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard for King Ahab. She writes letters in Ahab's name, instructing the elders and nobles to falsely accuse Naboth and have him stoned to death. Jezebel's manipulation and deceit exemplify the evil intentions that can lead to murder.

The Heart's Role in Devising Murder

Jesus expands on the understanding of murder by addressing the heart's role in such acts. In Matthew 5:21-22, 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." Here, Jesus emphasizes that murder begins in the heart, with anger and hatred being precursors to the physical act.

The Call to Righteousness

The Bible calls believers to reject the wickedness that leads to murder and instead pursue righteousness. In Romans 12:17-19, Paul instructs, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath." This teaching encourages believers to trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on murder and the wickedness of devising such acts serve as a sobering reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Christ. By understanding the gravity of murder and the heart's role in it, believers are called to live lives marked by love, peace, and righteousness, reflecting the character of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:41
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 37:18
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... Therefore, whatever men or Satan himself devise, God holds the helm ... hold, that while
by means of the wicked God performs ... the murder of the sons of Ahab, and the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and ...
... that "He will miserably destroy those wicked men." [2709 ... with regard to their not
committing murder; wherefore He ... these must before the end devise, and execute ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxiv woe unto you.htm

Antipater's Navigation from Rome to his Father; and How He was ...
... of thy unhappy father, and didst devise such a ... by his gross, and impudent, and wicked
contrivances, and ... with disturbance, and caused them to murder one another ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 antipaters navigation from.htm

Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ...
... that the Question has long been Decided"To Devise such Subterfuges ... to murder men,
and even actually murder them? ... moral duty, yet that there are wicked men in ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter ii criticisms of the.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... he may not kill you again, and murder your souls ... how to equip and defend ourselves
against his wicked devices ... But when thou beginnest to devise out of thine own ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... put away thy sin." [3167] He had added murder to adultery ... Ezekiel: "as for the
wickedness of the wicked, he shall ... I frame evil against you, and devise a device ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

The Exile Continued.
... innocence disregarded, and his guard ordered to murder them all ... "Destructions doth
thy tongue devise, Like a ... when evil men fade: "When the wicked perish, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... to neighbours, and, instead of loving them, devise evil against ... such a proverb as
this: The wicked is held ... with his brother, is guilty of murder [4315] .' For ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Pseud-Iren??us.
... 3840] tortures which man could possibly devise against him ... For the wicked after some
days again tortured the ... and charged with the crime of murder; they had lost ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pseud-irenaeus.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... cause; how much more not to devise any falsehood ... and the mouth of the wicked devoureth
iniquity ... in real effect commonly rob, sometimes murder, ever exceedingly ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm