Thou Shalt Not Murder: Understanding the Sixth Commandment

Exodus 20:13

13 Thou shalt not kill.

The translation "Thou shalt not kill" is a profoundly accurate and express command of God when understood in its true spiritual context, as it guards the sacredness of human life without demanding unreasonable extremesWDUS 13.4+1.

Here is an in-depth look at the boundaries, meaning, and profound spiritual depth of this divine law:

The Scope of the Commandment 🛡️

While it might seem that a literal reading of "Thou shalt not kill" would forbid the taking of any life whatsoever, stretching this command to such absolute limits is not according to sound reasoning20MR 338.1+1.

• Pests and Animals: God has not entrusted us with a message that nothing, not even an insect or a reptile, should be killed20MR 338.1+1. We are permitted and expected to guard against and destroy harmful pests to preserve ourselves and our possessions from harm2MR 178.2.

• Self-Defense and Warfare: Participating in a defensive war to protect our rights and government does not inherently violate this lawARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. We can look to the example of Abraham, who armed his servants and engaged in defensive battle to rescue his captive brother Genesis 14:13-17ARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. In doing so, Abraham was doing God's will; if defensive killing were always a violation of God's law, Abraham would be considered a murdererARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13.

• Civil Justice: The civil state is ordained by God to execute justice, which includes the duty to prevent murder and punish evil Romans 13:4-6ARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13. When the state executes a severe penalty against someone who takes a human life, it is punishing an uncivil act to protect society, which is entirely distinct from the divine, moral prohibition of murderAMS September 1887, page 69.16.

The Spiritual Depth of the Law ❤️

To truly understand "Thou shalt not kill," we must recognize that God's law is deeply spiritual and acts as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Hebrews 4:12SITI December 30, 1889, page 632.94.

• Beyond the Physical Act: Jesus Christ magnified the law, making it honorable by revealing its true breadth Isaiah 42:21+1AMS December 25, 1889, page 377.7. He showed that this commandment goes far beyond merely restraining our hands from physical violenceSITI January 21, 1886, page 40.13.

• The Root of Murder: If a person harbors unreasoning anger, envy, hatred, or malicious thoughts in their heart toward another, they are guilty of breaking the sixth commandmentAMS September 1887, page 69.16+2. A person may live their entire life without laying a violent hand on anyone, but if they cherish enmity within, they do not keep the commandment in any sense whateverAMS December 25, 1889, page 377.7+1.

A Living Promise ✨

When viewed outside of Christ, the law is simply a rigid code telling us what we must not doBEST June 1, 1896, page 164.1. However, when we receive Him, this commandment transforms into a beautiful, living promise 2 Peter 1:4BEST June 1, 1896, page 164.1. Because we cannot fully rid ourselves of the hateful thoughts that break this law, Christ writes His Spirit upon the fleshy tables of our hearts, promising us: "You have received Me; you shall not kill"BEST June 1, 1896, page 164.1. Through His grace, the very root of murder is removed and replaced with His divine loveBEST June 1, 1896, page 164.1.

While earthly civil laws and historical instances in the Old Testament have permitted taking up arms to defend one's family and nation, the higher law of grace taught by Jesus Christ calls His followers to a life of peace, where fighting in personal self-defense is surrendered entirely to GodARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13+1.

Here is a deeper look at the distinction between civil protection and the Christian's calling:

Civil Protection and National Defense 🛡️

In the context of civil government and national preservation, defensive actions have historically been utilized and authorized by God to protect families, property, and citizensARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. During ancient times, God did not ask His people to stand by and be murdered or see their families slaughtered by ungodly rebels; instead, He instructed them to arm themselves and fight for their brethren, sons, daughters, wives, and houses Nehemiah 4:13-14ARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. Civil authorities are ordained as ministers of God to bear the sword and execute wrath upon those who do evil, thereby maintaining order and protecting society Romans 13:4-6ARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13. Furthermore, civil law correctly recognizes a distinction between malicious, premeditated murder and excusable homicide, such as that which occurs unavoidably in self-defenseNWAD HOMICIDE.2.

The Kingdom of Peace and Grace 🕊️

However, for the individual Christian who is a citizen of Christ's spiritual kingdom, the Lord establishes a profoundly different standard of conductSITI August 13, 1896, page 500.2. Jesus taught a clear and direct message regarding personal conflict, commanding: "That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" Matthew 5:39PTUK January 23, 1896, page 51.13. As loyal subjects of the Prince of peace, believers are bound to live peaceably with all men, meaning they cannot fight even in personal self-defenseSITI August 13, 1896, page 500.2. The just do not resist, but instead give place to the wrath of others, leaving all vengeance entirely to the Lord Romans 12:18-19SITI August 13, 1896, page 500.2.

Self-Preservation vs. Self-Surrender ✝️

The instinct for self-preservation and self-defense is the first law of human nature, but this natural drive is inherently tied to force, war, and the realm of sinAMS March 4, 1897, page 129.11+1. In direct opposition to this is the law of grace, which operates on self-sacrifice, self-surrender, love, peace, and life, occupying exclusively the realm of righteousnessAMS March 4, 1897, page 129.11+1.

When we fully surrender ourselves to Christ, we have no need to exercise personal self-defense or fear any secret evil, because the Savior Himself becomes our ultimate, unfailing defenseGCDB February 16, 1899, page 8.42. While human reasoning makes many natural excuses to justify self-defense, the only way to truly understand and obey the commandments of Christ is to accept His teachings without question, trusting completely in His divine protection rather than our own physical forcePTUK January 23, 1896, page 51.13.