Exodus 20:13
"You shall not commit murder"
The first murder recorded in scripture was not technically Cain's murder of his brother, Able. In the garden the serpent's deliberate deception of the woman knowingly caused the spiritual death of both Adam and Eve. This was the first intentional murder. God's sacrifice of the animals for their skin was not murder because of the motivation. God is a speaking spirit and so spoke to the animals to do his will and give up their lives to protect mankind. They would have done this willingly as asked by the creator.
Unintentional deadly circumstances can happen in many ways and are not considered murder. As for war, God's command to the Israelites to engage in warfare reveals that there are times when taking life can be a righteous goal. The distinction between killing and murder hinges on the motivation behind the act. When life is taken for selfish reasons—such as taking someone's possessions or improving social or political standing—it is murder.
While pacifism is often the morally preferable choice, it is not always reasonable or the right thing to do. The story of Abraham shows us this: when he learned of his nephew Lot's capture, he raised an army to protect and liberate Lot. Similarly, the tale of Moses showcases his action of striking an Egyptian to save an Israelite slave, resulting in the Egyptian's death but safeguarding the slave.
Killing to safeguard your friends or family is dreadful, but honorable when driven by love. Jesus' statement about the meek inheriting the earth seems to align with humility and harmlessness. But a person characterized as meek could never wage war or rescue anyone through force like Abraham. Moses, though he struck the Egyptian, earned the title of the most humble man on Earth. It appears that Jesus intended to show us that those who earn and show respect will inherit the Earth.
God is known as the Commander of the armies of heaven, sending His forces to combat the darkness of the universe and safeguard the light. It's crucial to acknowledge your role within these forces: to combat darkness and shield those who lack the means to defend themselves. Do not hurt anyone if it can be avoided, but you should be willing and able to defend yourself and others when attacked for everyone's sake. Your defense could result in changing the course of your attacker’s life before they encounter someone willing to hurt or kill without thought. In other words, you may have a chance to help straighten them out or teach them before it's too late. This is a form of tough love for your enemy.
Jesus said in the book of Luke "If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one" which seems to contradict what he says in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 "If someone slaps you on the cheek turn to them the other also" But a slap in that time was a form of insult not considered an assault. It seems Jesus means for us to ignore insults but when your life or those you love is being threatened know how and when to use the sword like both Abraham and Moses did.
This commentary is the basis to the children's poem book God's Law Revealed in Poems now available on Amazon. If you read and enjoy this book, please leave a review on Amazon to help others guide their children towards the light.