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The sixth commandment
You shall not murder
Exodus 20.13
“You shall not murder.”
Deuteronomy 5.17
“‘You shall not murder.’"
Life must be guarded by all as well. This commandment which prohibits the taking of life also obligates men to do whatever is necessary to preserve and defend it. Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper,” (Gen. 4:9) is, in this commandment, answered in the affirmative. Human beings are charged with taking measures to protect the lives of their neighbors, and to protect their communities against those who do not regard the lives of men as they should.
Protecting and honoring life begins in the heart, as we shall see. We must guard our own hearts against anything which might put the wellbeing of our neighbors in jeopardy. Guarding against murder, therefore, begins in the heart of each one of us.
This series of In the Gates we present a detailed explanation of the Law of God, beginning with the Ten Commandments, and working through the statutes and rules that accompany each commandment. For a practical guide to the role of God’s Law in the practice of ethics, get The Ground for Christian Ethics by going to www.ailbe.org and click on our Book Store.