Introduction

We've reached the halfway point in our journey through the Ten Commandments in our series "Old Laws for a New Life." Over the past five articles, we've explored the depths of these ancient laws and discovered their profound relevance for our lives today. We've seen how they're not just a set of outdated rules, but a blueprint for a life of love - love for God and love for our neighbor.

Tonight, we turn our attention to the sixth commandment. Let's read it together from Exodus 20:13:

At first glance, this might seem like the simplest commandment of all. After all, most of us probably haven't woken up this morning with the urge to take someone's life. We might be tempted to pat ourselves on the back and say, "Well, at least I've got this one down!"

We’ll see.

Because as we've seen throughout this series, there's always more to these commandments than meets the eye. Our society has laws against murder, of course. But Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, takes this commandment much deeper. He pushes it beyond the act of physical violence and into the condition of our hearts. And that's where things get uncomfortable for all of us. So, we're going to dive deep into this commandment. We're going to explore what it meant in its original context, how Jesus expanded our understanding of it, and how it applies to our lives today. But more than that, we're going to see how this commandment, like all the others, ultimately points us to our need for Christ and the transforming power of the gospel.

Our big idea for this commandment is this: We should recognize that all humans are created in God's image. Therefore, we must value their life in both deed and thought.

The Biblical Definition of Murder

Let's start by looking at the original Hebrew word used in this commandment. The word is רָצַח (ratzach), and it's often translated as "murder." But to truly understand what God is commanding here, we need to dig a little deeper. רָצַח (ratzach) refers specifically to unlawful killing within the covenant community. It's talking about the unjust taking of a human life. The Puritan, William Perkins, talks about this writing, "Killing is not always murder, for sometimes a man has power given of God to kill, and it is no sin." Perkins goes on to explain that God gives this power in three ways: through the written Word (as with rulers and soldiers), by extraordinary commandment (as with Abraham and Isaac), and by extraordinary instinct. This, in line with the original language, helps us understand that while all murder is killing, not all killing is murder in the biblical sense.

John Durham's commentary on Exodus also provides valuable insights into the specific use of רָצַח (ratzach) in the sixth commandment. This term is deliberately chosen over other Hebrew words for killing, and its usage carries significant theological and ethical weight.

1. רָצַח (ratzach) in context: Durham emphasizes that רָצַח is used specifically for unlawful killing within the covenant community. This is a critical point because it frames the commandment not just as a general prohibition against killing, but as a specific instruction for how members of God's covenant people should treat one another. It's about maintaining the sanctity and unity of the community that God has called into existence. This specific usage implies that the commandment is addressing more than just the physical act of taking a life. It's about respecting the divine image in each member of the community and preserving the social and spiritual bonds that God has established.

2. Distinction from other forms of killing: The choice of רָצַח over other terms is significant. Let's compare it with some other Hebrew words for killing: a) הָרַג (harag): As mentioned, this term refers to killing more generally. It can be used for killing in war, capital punishment, or even animal slaughter. The fact that the commandment doesn't use this term suggests that it's not prohibiting all forms of killing, but rather a specific type of unjustified, interpersonal violence. b) מוּת (muth): This word often means "to die" or "to cause to die." It's a broader term that doesn't necessarily imply intentionality or violence. c) שָׁחַט (shachat): This term is often used for ritual slaughter or sacrifice. Its exclusion from the commandment further emphasizes that the prohibition is not about ritualistic or sanctioned forms of killing. d) נָכָה (nakah): This word can mean "to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill." It's a more general term for violent action that may or may not result in death.

3. Moral and spiritual emphasis: The use of רָצַח gives the commandment a distinct moral and spiritual emphasis. It's not just about the physical act of ending a life, but about the intention behind it and its impact on the community. This choice of word invites us to consider the commandment in light of: a) The sanctity of human life: Each person bears the image of God, and unjustified killing is an assault on that image. b) The integrity of the community: Unlawful killing ruptures the fabric of the covenant community. c) The spiritual state of the killer: The act of murder is seen as a grave sin that affects the perpetrator's relationship with God and the community.

4. Implications for interpretation: Understanding the specific use of רָצַח helps us interpret the commandment more accurately: a) It's not a blanket prohibition on all forms of killing. This helps explain why the Old Testament doesn't condemn capital punishment or killing in warfare. b) It emphasizes the premeditated, unjustified nature of the prohibited act. This aligns with later biblical laws that distinguish between murder and manslaughter. c) It invites us to consider the spirit of the law, not just the letter. This paves the way for Jesus' expansion of the commandment in the Sermon on the Mount.

5. Relevance for today: While we may not be part of ancient Israel's covenant community, understanding the specific use of רָצַח can inform our application of this commandment today: a) It challenges us to consider how we value human life within our communities. b) It invites us to think about "murder" in broader terms than just physical killing – including how we treat others with our words and attitudes. c) It reminds us that our actions towards others have spiritual implications, affecting our relationship with God and our community.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that's interesting, (or maybe you aren’t) but I'm still not planning on murdering anyone. How does this apply to me?" Well, let's look at how Jesus expanded on this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:21-22, He says:

Do you see what Jesus is doing here? He's taking this commandment and pushing it far beyond just the physical act of murder. He's saying that anger, insults, and contempt for others are all forms of murder in the heart.

The Greek word Jesus uses here, ὀργίζω (orgizó), goes far beyond a momentary flash of irritation or frustration. It describes something much deeper and more insidious – an ongoing state of anger, a deep-seated resentment that smolders below the surface, festering and growing over time. This isn't about losing your temper for a moment; it's about nursing a grudge, making a deliberate choice to hold onto anger and keep stoking the flames of resentment. While ὀργίζω doesn't necessarily lead to outward violence, it creates a disposition of hostility that could easily spill over into harmful actions or words. Jesus equates this anger with murder because He's emphasizing that murder begins in the heart. Long before a person takes a life, they've often cultivated a heart of anger and resentment. This kind of anger, like murder, fails to recognize the image of God in others, seeing people as objects of our wrath rather than bearers of God's image. While it may not end physical life, this anger destroys relationships, which Jesus sees as a form of interpersonal "death." By saying that this anger makes one "liable to judgment," Jesus is indicating that in God's eyes, harboring this kind of anger is as serious as the act of murder itself. James 1:14-15 gives us insight into how this anger can lead to more serious sin, describing a progression from desire to sin to death. ὀργίζω is like a seed that, if nurtured, can grow into full-blown acts of violence or murder.

This is a sobering thought, isn't it? How many of us can honestly say we've never harbored anger or resentment towards someone? How many of us have never insulted someone or treated them with contempt? Suddenly, this commandment that seemed so easy to keep becomes convicting for all of us.

But there's one more crucial aspect we need to understand about this commandment. It's not just a social issue or a matter of personal morality. It's fundamentally about our covenant relationship with God.

Remember, the Ten Commandments were given as part of God's covenant with Israel. When someone takes a life - whether physically or through anger and contempt - they're not just harming another person. They're disregarding the image of God in that person. They're showing disrespect to God Himself. This ties back to what we've been learning throughout this series. These commandments aren't arbitrary rules. They're about our relationship with God and how that relationship should shape our interactions with others. The sixth commandment is telling us that how we treat others - even in the privacy of our own thoughts - matters deeply to God.

Valuing Life: The Sanctity of Human Life

Now that we understand what the Bible means by murder, let's look at the positive side of this commandment. What is it calling us to do? At its core, the sixth commandment is about valuing human life. It's about recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

To understand this fully, we need to go back to the very beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 1:26-27, we read:

The Hebrew word used here for "image" is צֶלֶם (tzelem). This concept of being made in God's image is what gives every human life its inherent dignity and worth. It's what makes human life sacred.

John Dickson, in his book "A Doubter's Guide to the Ten Commandments," points out that this concept of the sanctity of human life underpins moral values like "inalienable rights." It's not just an ethical concept - it's a spiritual reality rooted in God's design for humanity. This is why murder is such a grave sin. It's not just about ending a life - it's about attacking the very image of God. It's a direct assault on the Creator Himself.

And we already talked about how Jesus expanded this commandment beyond just physical murder. In 1 John 3:15, we read:

The Greek word used here for "hate" is μισέω (miseō). This isn't just about feelings of dislike. It encompasses active disdain, rejection, or malice towards someone. John is directly connecting this kind of hatred to murder, echoing Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.

So what does this mean for us today? It means we need to seriously examine how we treat others, not just in our actions, but in our thoughts and attitudes as well. Are we valuing the lives of others as God does? Or are we "murdering" them with our thoughts, words, and actions?

This goes beyond just avoiding physical violence. It includes things like:

1. Gossip and slander, which attack a person's reputation and dignity

2. Bullying, whether in person or online, which devalues and demeans others

3. Discrimination and prejudice, which fail to recognize the image of God in all people

4. Neglect or indifference to the suffering of others, which fails to value their lives as we should

This commandment calls us to be active promoters of life and dignity for all people. It's not enough to simply avoid murder - we're called to positively value and protect human life in all its forms.

The Inner Battle: Dealing with Anger and Hatred

Now that we've established the broad scope of this commandment, let's look more closely at one of the key issues Jesus highlighted: anger. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus makes a direct connection between anger and murder. He's telling us that the root of murder is found in the angry, contemptuous attitudes of our hearts.

This isn't a new idea in Scripture. If we go back to the very first murder recorded in the Bible - Cain's killing of Abel - we see this principle at work. In Genesis 4:6-7, God warns Cain:

God sees the anger in Cain's heart and warns him about where it could lead. But Cain doesn't heed the warning, and his unchecked anger ultimately leads to his brother's murder. This progression from anger to murder is something we all need to be aware of. Anger, when left unchecked, can escalate. It might start as a feeling of resentment, progress to verbal abuse, and in extreme cases, lead to physical violence.

Now, I want to be clear here: feeling angry is not, in itself, a sin. There is such a thing as righteous anger. Jesus Himself displayed anger at times, particularly towards injustice and hypocrisy. William Perkins talks about this distinction by stating,

He suggests that we can discern between godly and evil anger by its beginning and its end. Godly anger, Perkins argues,

while evil anger,

The problem comes when we nurse that anger, when we let it fester and grow in our hearts.

So how do we deal with anger in a way that honors God and values the lives of others? Let me suggest a few practical steps:

1. Recognize the warning signs: Just like God pointed out Cain's anger to him, we need to be aware of when anger is rising in our own hearts. What are your physical and emotional cues that indicate you're getting angry?

2. Bring it to God in prayer: The Psalms give us a great model for this. David often expresses his anger to God, but he doesn't stay there. He always comes back to trusting in God's justice and mercy.

3. Seek reconciliation: Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:23-24 that if we remember someone has something against us, we should seek reconciliation before we even offer our gift at the altar. This shows how seriously God takes our relationships with others.

4. Practice forgiveness: In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Forgiveness doesn't mean excusing wrong behavior, but it does mean releasing our right to revenge and trusting God to deal justly with the situation.

Let me give you an illustration that might help here. Think about the unchecked anger we often see in toddlers. A two-year-old who doesn't get what they want might scream, hit, or throw things. As adults, we've (hopefully) learned not to express our anger in these ways, though that can’t be said for everyone. But if we're honest, sometimes the feelings inside aren't that different from the toddler's, are they? The difference is that as adults, we’ve learned (hopefully) to control our outward behavior. But Jesus is saying that even that is not enough. He's calling us to deal with the anger in our hearts. Because even if we never raise a hand against someone, that internal anger is spiritually dangerous. It's a form of murder in the heart.

This is where the gospel becomes so crucial. Because let's be honest - we can't fully eliminate anger from our hearts by our own efforts. We need the transforming power of Christ. We need the Holy Spirit to work in us, replacing our anger with love, our bitterness with forgiveness.

In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul gives us this instruction:

Notice the motivation Paul gives here - "as God in Christ forgave you." Our ability to deal with anger and treat others with kindness flows from our experience of God's forgiveness and love in Christ.

The Call to Act: Valuing Life in Our Communities

So far, we've looked at what this commandment prohibits - murder, anger, hatred. But like all the commandments, there's a positive side as well. The sixth commandment doesn't just call us to avoid taking life; it calls us to actively value and protect life.

As Christians, we're called to be promoters of peace, justice, and reconciliation in our communities. We can't just avoid murder; we must actively foster life-affirming attitudes and actions.

What might this look like practically? Here are a few examples:

1. Caring for the vulnerable. Jesus often emphasized care for those on the margins of society - the poor, the sick, the outcast. When we care for "the least of these," we're valuing life as God does.

2. Promoting reconciliation. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). This might mean mediating conflicts in our families or communities, or working towards racial reconciliation in our churches and neighborhoods.

3. Valuing life at all stages. This includes advocating for the unborn, caring for the elderly, and ensuring dignity for those with disabilities.

Remember, Jesus didn't just teach about valuing life - He modeled it. He touched lepers who were considered untouchable. He defended a woman caught in adultery from those who wanted to stone her. He wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, showing the value He placed on human life and relationships. And ultimately, Jesus gave His own life to save ours. He is the ultimate fulfillment of this commandment. He not only refrained from taking life, but He gave His life so that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).

In Romans 12:18-21, Paul gives us some practical instruction on how to live this out:

This passage shows us that valuing life often means going against our natural inclinations. When someone wrongs us, our instinct might be to seek revenge. But Paul tells us to leave vengeance to God and instead to actively do good to those who wrong us. This is radical, counter-cultural stuff. It's not easy. But it's what we're called to as followers of Christ. We're called to be people who value life so highly that we're willing to lay down our own desires for vengeance, in order to promote life and peace.

Living Out the Sixth Commandment on Our Side of the Cross

As we've seen throughout this series, Jesus doesn't abolish the Old Testament law; He fulfills it and often intensifies it. We've already looked at how He expanded the sixth commandment in the Sermon on the Mount, but let's dig a little deeper into how the New Testament develops this theme.

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus says:

This teaching takes the command "do not murder" to its ultimate conclusion. Not only should we refrain from violence and hatred towards others, but we should actively love even our enemies. The Greek word used here for "love" is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which represents a selfless, sacrificial love. It's the same word used to describe God's love for us. This kind of love goes far beyond just refraining from murder. It calls us to value others, even those who may oppose or harm us. It's a radically different way of relating to others, one that reflects the character of God Himself.

But Jesus doesn't just teach this - He models it. Even on the cross, He prays for those crucifying Him:

This is the ultimate example of valuing life, even the lives of one's enemies.

The apostle Paul picks up on this theme in his letters. In Romans 12:14-21, he writes:

This passage gives us a practical roadmap for how to live out the sixth commandment in our daily lives. It's not just about refraining from murder or violence, but about actively seeking peace, blessing others (even our persecutors), and overcoming evil with good.

Another key New Testament passage that relates to the sixth commandment is John 10:10, where Jesus says:

This verse shows us that Jesus' mission wasn't just about preventing death, but about bringing life - and not just life, but abundant life. This abundant life isn't just physical survival, but a holistic life of peace, joy, and reconciliation, free from the anger, hatred, and violence that the sixth commandment prohibits. As followers of Christ, we're called to be agents of this abundant life in the world. We're called to value and protect life, to promote peace and reconciliation, and to love even our enemies. This is what it means to live out the sixth commandment in the kingdom of God.

Living Out the Sixth Commandment Today

Now that we've delved into the biblical understanding of the sixth commandment, let's consider how we can apply this in our daily lives. Remember, our goal isn't just to avoid murder in the literal sense, but to cultivate a heart that truly values all human life as God does.

1. Guard Your Heart: Jesus made it clear that murder begins in the heart with anger and contempt. Make it a daily practice to examine your heart. Are there people you're harboring resentment or bitterness towards? Bring these feelings to God in prayer, asking Him to help you release them and replace them with love.

2. Watch Your Words: Our words have the power to give life or to destroy. James 3:9-10 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." Be intentional about using your words to build others up, not tear them down.

3. Pursue Reconciliation: If you're in conflict with someone, take the initiative to seek reconciliation. Remember Jesus' words in Matthew 5:23-24 about leaving your gift at the altar to be reconciled with your brother.

4. Value All Life: Look for ways to practically demonstrate the value of human life. This might mean volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, or advocating for the rights of marginalized groups in your community.

5. Cultivate Empathy: Practice putting yourself in others' shoes. This can help curb anger and promote understanding. Remember, every person you encounter is made in God's image and is deeply loved by Him.

6. Promote Peace: Look for opportunities to be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, and community. This might involve mediating conflicts, speaking out against injustice, or simply being a calming presence in tense situations.

7. Care for Your Own Life: Remember that your own life is valuable too. Take care of your physical and mental health. Seek help if you're struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

8. Forgive: Forgiveness is a powerful way to value life and break the cycle of anger and violence. It's not easy, but it's essential for our spiritual health and for living out this commandment.

9. Pray for Your Enemies: Following Jesus' teaching, make it a practice to pray for those who have wronged you or who you struggle to love. This can powerfully transform your heart and perspective.

10. Speak Up: Don't be silent in the face of violence or injustice. Use your voice to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves, always doing so with gentleness and respect.

The Gospel and the Sixth Commandment

It's crucial that we understand how the gospel relates to this commandment. Because the truth is, when we truly examine our hearts in light of Jesus' teaching, we all fall short. We've all harbored anger, spoken words of contempt, failed to value life as we should. We all stand guilty before this commandment. But here's where the good news of the gospel comes in. Jesus, the only one who ever perfectly fulfilled this commandment (and all the others), took our guilt upon Himself on the cross. He died the death that we deserved, so that we might have life.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes:

This is the heart of the gospel. Christ took our sin - our anger, our hatred, our failure to value life - and gave us His righteousness in exchange. When we put our faith in Him, God no longer sees our sin, but Christ's perfect fulfillment of the law. But it doesn't stop there. The gospel doesn't just free us from the penalty of our sin; it also empowers us to live differently. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can begin to truly value life as God does. We can love our enemies, seek reconciliation, and be agents of peace in our world.

This is why Paul can say in Galatians 2:20:

The power to truly live out this commandment doesn't come from our own efforts, but from Christ living in us.

A Challenge

I want to challenge each of you to take some time this week to reflect on this commandment. Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Are there areas in your life where you've failed to value life as God does? This could be through harbored anger, words of contempt, or indifference to the suffering of others.

2. How can you actively promote life and peace in your spheres of influence this week?

3. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with?

4. How does the gospel change your perspective on this commandment and empower you to live it out?

Remember, living out this commandment isn't about earning God's favor. It's about responding to the love and grace we've already received in Christ. It's about allowing the life of Christ in us to overflow in love and value for others.