Short Look at the 6th Commandment

​Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder” (NKJV).
“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (KJV) Matthew 15:19
            This one is not as easy to define as many may think. Murder is more than causing one physical harm leading to the demise of the individual. It is mental as well. Jewish sages say that it applies only to illegal killing, not for the actions of killing the enemy during war. Man, being made in the Image of God and therefore all lives of mankind are precious. ONLY GOD has the right to give and take a life.
What about the feelings and actions of the heart. Does not Jesus say that sinning in the heart is just like actually committing the sin in the flesh? One does not have to actually shed blood in order to violate this Law. Think of it like this, public shaming, harmful gossip, and slandering attack a man’s dignity and therefore is abject murder. The Jewish Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Father), says this, “The evil tongue slays three persons: the utterer of the evil, the listener, and the one spoken about”.
            Now as I mentioned before, killing of the enemy during wartime is not technically committing murder. Since 1914 we have had many wars and police actions in which there were atrocities committed. Those atrocities are considered murder, yes, even though some would say they were just victims of the war it was much more than that. Killing during firefights are much different than intentional raiding, killing just for killing, raping, and looting. These actions are against the 6th Commandment.
            Thou Shalt Not Murder therefore is more than just the physical act of premeditated murder, it involves inappropriate feeling from the heart and extremely harmful words. So we really have to watch what we say or do no matter how we feel. Remember, as much as we want to say words of condemnation we must be vigilant in not letting emotions get overridden by hatefulness and disgust no matter the situation. Be wary when taking up certain causes because this day and age there are so many with deep rooted evil intentions that start out as peaceful. Brother and Sisters in Christ, we are in a period of spiritual war with the world. Stay in the Word and keep it on your heart and God will provide strength, guidance, and comfort. May God bless you all in this time of tribulation.