Do Not Murder

Key scripture: Exodus 20:13

Exodus 20:13

The sixth commandment is made of two Hebrew words: Lo Tir-its-Ah!

Translation issue: Is it, “do not murder” or, “do not kill?” 

Numbers 35:20-24

The biblical definition of murder as presented here is that of,  “intentionally seeking the death of another human with malice aforethought.” 

The root form of the word translated as murder carries with it the image of shattering the image of something or someone. It is about much more than life and death. 

Genesis 1:26-27

Because we carry the image of the Creator, we are called to honor and protect that image in others. 

Matthew 5:21-24 

Jesus Christ spoke to the way we ought to interpret this commandment. 

#1 – Matthew 5:21-22 – Don’t let anger win

#2 – Matthew 5:22 – Don’t pick a fight

#3 – Mathew 5:23-24 – Don’t ignore a broken relationship

The solution is found in seeking to follow in the footsteps of the Lord and not in the destruction of the image of God found in others.