The Ten Commandments: Sixth Commandment

Exodus 20:13

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. MOSES. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to Come.

As we continue our study of God’s Story in God’s People, we have arrived with Israel at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments. We are working our way through each command—a series within a series.

So, the question is, ‘Why?’ Why do we need to spend time going through each commandment?

Great question. Let me explain.

Three months after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God met them at Mount Sinai, where he spoke directly to the people. Decades later, as they prepared to enter the promised land, Moses reminded God’s people of the time when he gave his law, emphasizing to parents their responsibility to teach their children these commandments. This instruction from Moses is called the Shema, from the first word “hear.” 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

So, why is it important for us to study the Ten Commandments? Because God gave them so that we can know how to honor him and impart these truths to our children. Today—commandment #6. 

First Commandment: No god but God (Ex. 20:2-3)
Second Commandment: No Images (Ex. 20:4-6)
Third Commandment: Don’t misuse God’s name (Ex. 20:7)
Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11)
Fifth Commandment: Honor your father and mother (Ex. 20:12)

SIXTH COMMANDMENT: DO NOT MURDER (Ex 20:13)

This principle is based on two essential theological truths.

• God is the sovereign Creator.
  As the sovereign Creator, God is the source of all life. He is the one who writes every page of our story (Ps. 139:16). We must never interrupt the life he has ordained by intentionally taking it away. Life belongs to God from conception until our last breath.
• Humanity is made in the image of God.
  We share in God’s communicable or transferable attributes. As humans, we can make decisions, love, and live with a sense of justice. Even before the Ten Commandments, murder was one of the crimes punishable by death. God told Noah and his sons, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image” (Gen. 9:6). 

Certainly, there were times when killing another person was permitted in cases of self-defense, defending the life of someone else, or in the defense of one’s country during war. This command addresses the deliberate act of taking someone’s life. This would include suicide, where a person assumes the role of God. 

However, this command doesn't just deal with murder committed physically; it also includes murder in the heart. Jesus said: 

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Jesus elevates the commandments from external actions to internal attitudes, shifting focus from the hands to include the heart. Murder of the mind and heart involves feelings such as anger, rage, bitterness, contempt, and prejudice. The word “fool” is a harsh insult. There are many ways to hurt someone without taking their life. Gossip, slander, and reckless words can wound just as deeply as a sword (Prov. 12:18). Murder does not only mean physically killing someone; it also involves harming the spirit and soul. 

There are murders of the hand, murders of the heart, and one more—murders of the head. These are decisions not to get involved, like the religious leaders in Jesus’ story of the good Samaritan. They chose not to help the victim who was beaten and left for dead.  

Here’s how reformer and theologian Martin Luther addresses murders of the head.

This commandment is violated not only when a person actually does evil, but also when he fails to do good to his neighbor . . .. If you send a person away naked when you could clothe him, you have let him freeze to death. If you see anyone suffer hunger and do not feed him, you have let him starve.[1]

Jesus defines murder at a deeper level. We shouldn't congratulate ourselves just because we haven't physically killed anyone. This command covers the feelings and thoughts in our hearts and minds. The sixth command reaches to the core of who we are, addressing our emotions and the choices we make.  

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Read and reflect on Exodus 20:13. Where are anger, bitterness, resentment, or careless words hurting others in your life, even if you haven't physically harmed them?

Talking to God: Ask God to search your heart. Are you holding onto anger, bitterness, pride, or using careless words? 

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us help you take the next step.

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