Topical Bible: Murder: The Wicked: Encourage Others to Commit

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Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life, is a grievous sin condemned throughout the Scriptures. The Bible not only addresses the act of murder itself but also the wickedness of those who encourage or incite others to commit such acts. This entry explores the biblical perspective on those who lead others into the sin of murder, drawing from various passages that highlight the severity of this transgression.

Biblical Condemnation of Murder

The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is a clear and direct prohibition against taking innocent life. This commandment is foundational to the moral law given by God and is reiterated throughout the Scriptures. The act of murder is seen as a direct affront to God, who is the giver of life.

Encouragement to Commit Murder

The Bible provides several examples of individuals who, through their influence or direct encouragement, lead others to commit murder. Such actions are viewed as equally wicked, as they demonstrate a heart that is not only complicit in sin but actively seeks to spread it.

1. Jezebel's Influence: One of the most notorious examples is Queen Jezebel, who incited her husband, King Ahab, to commit murder. In 1 Kings 21, Jezebel orchestrates the death of Naboth to seize his vineyard for Ahab. Her actions reveal a heart steeped in idolatry and wickedness, as she manipulates others to achieve her evil desires.

2. The Pharisees and the Crucifixion of Jesus: In the New Testament, the religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, are depicted as encouraging the Roman authorities to crucify Jesus. In John 19:6, they cry out, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Their instigation of this act of murder underscores their rejection of Christ and their willingness to use others to achieve their ends.

3. Herodias and the Death of John the Baptist: Herodias, the wife of Herod Antipas, is another example. Herodias harbored a grudge against John the Baptist for his condemnation of her unlawful marriage. She used her daughter to manipulate Herod into ordering John's execution (Mark 6:24-28). Her actions demonstrate the destructive power of harboring hatred and resentment.

Warnings Against Leading Others into Sin

The Bible warns against leading others into sin, including murder. Jesus Himself speaks to the gravity of causing others to stumble: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This warning underscores the severe consequences of leading others into sin.

The Heart of the Wicked

The encouragement of murder is rooted in a heart that is far from God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "hands that shed innocent blood" as one of the things the Lord hates. Those who incite others to murder are often driven by envy, greed, or a desire for power, reflecting a deep-seated rebellion against God's commandments.

Conclusion

The Bible's portrayal of those who encourage others to commit murder serves as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity and the serious nature of sin. The Scriptures call believers to uphold the sanctity of life and to resist any influence that would lead them or others into such grievous sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 21:8-10
So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 1:11
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privately for the innocent without cause:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... testimony of the divine approbation, to encourage others: to follow ... and that he who
joined in the murder of a ... and that the violence of the wicked should recoil ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... thus to go to every ignorant and wicked neighbor, what ... their sins less than they
are, nor encourage them in ... Thou art guilty of the murder and damnation of all ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ...
... of the consequences of sin, they actually encourage him in it ... to warn the wicked
from his way, that wicked man shall ... Suppose you reprove a man for murder, in a ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/thou shalt in any wise.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... to commit sin; who, in any way, encourage him to ... with a "matter of wrong, or wicked
lewdness;" for ... accused of the foulest crimes, atheism, murder, and incest ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... lovest to be angry, be angry with the wicked and it ... image, thou shalt pay the penalty
of murder; and if ... sins be a helper and counsellor, and encourage him that ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day
... and fighting, and, when wholly unrestrained, cruelty and murder. ... not that be giving
the wicked opportunity to ... Would it not encourage them in their wickedness ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... teacher, when they are put to the test encourage others not to ... order to set us free,
but rather murder us in ... As I said before, the wicked demons have also put ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Righteous Hatred
... it "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Oh! ... it is necessary that
men who commit murder should be ... a society endeavoring to do good, encourage it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... to persecute, to torture, even to murder him when ... Wicked, unprofitable and condemned
servant must he be who does ... our silence to commend or to encourage to evil ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... the righteous, and stuck so close to the wicked. ... belonged to him for committing of
adultery and murder. ... sinners, has a design thereby to encourage and provoke ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm