Friday, April 17, 2009

Rhoblogy: The EvilBible.com Project, Part 1 - Murder in the Bible

Today on the blog Rhoblogy, in contributing to Mariano's idea of we cohesively tackle the same subjects, a post has appeared discussing how Murder is discussed in the Bible. The author did a great job knocking down the ideas about murder given to evilbible.com and I think the response is well-written and a must-read. The only thing I would add, and it may be covered in a future part of his series is the question of does the Bible say "You will not kill." or does it say "You will not murder." in Exodus 20:13. We see in Ecclesiastes 3:3 says:

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

The King James Version uses "kill" in both Exodus 20:13 and Ecclesiastes 3:3, but more modern translations like the NIV use "murder" in Exodus 20:13 and "kill" in Ecclesiastes 3:3. They are not the same words, this is why this is important the word in Exodus 20:13 is "Ratsach" which means "murder" but in Ecclesiastes 3:3 the word is "harag" which is a different word. It makes sense given that "murder" and "killing" are not equivalent. For example, killing someone who breaks into your hows to kill your family is not murder but it is killing. However if you planned to find an opportunity to stab someone when no one is looking to kill him or her - that's murder. Killing enemy soldiers who are trying to kill you in a war is not murder. The difference is intent - the reason behind the action.

Here is the link to the article:
Rhoblogy: The EvilBible.com Project, Part 1 - Murder in the Bible
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2 comments:

  1. RhologyApril 18, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    The difference is also the context in which the action occurs, as you pointed out. I certainly intend to kill the intruder in my house, and you can be dang sure that my desire to kill an intruder in my house is premeditated! I'm not going to shoot him only one time, nor am I going to aim for his leg or shoulder. No, I'm emptying my magazine into his torso or head so that he poses no further threat to the family God has given me to provide for and protect.

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  2. mmcelhaneyApril 18, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    I agree wholeheartedly. God expects us to protect our families.

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