You shall not murder

In the Ten Commandments, after the commandment about honoring your parents, the focus shifts to building a society. The first commandment in this regard is "do not murder." You might wonder why this is the starting point.

Without life, no one can enjoy blessings or build a family, which is the bedrock of society. If someone is killed, their family and, by extension, society crumbles. That's why the right to life is paramount.

Today, in the 21st century, we might feel distant from the concept of murder. We see accidents and illnesses but rarely witness murder firsthand. Yet, murder has been a constant in civilization. In the Bible's fourth chapter, we read about Cain killing Abel. Joseph’s brothers initially plotted to kill him before selling him into slavery. Pharaoh ordered the killing of male babies around the time Moses was born. King Herod did the same when Jesus was born. Even John the Baptist was murdered.

If we don’t hear about murders often today, it’s not because we've evolved morally but because of the fear of punishment—long jail sentences deter us more than any moral upliftments.

The Old Testament speaks of proportional revenge: "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Without proportional punishment, unchecked revenge would lead to societal collapse. Gandhi argued that "an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind," but even today, road rage incidents show that violent impulses still exist. Fear of punishment keeps them in check.

Understanding these points helps us appreciate why "do not murder" is crucial among the Ten Commandments. Modern constitutions and the UN Charter recognize the right to life as fundamental because without life, society can't function. Article 3 of UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

This commandment honors life because humans are made in God's image. When someone kills another person, they destroy part of God’s creation. This is why God was deeply concerned when Cain killed Abel.

The messenger of this commandment is also interesting study. God chose Moses, a murderer, to command against murder.

Moses grew up in Pharaoh's palace, destined to rule Egypt. He couldn't stand the Egyptians oppressing Israelites, even though he didn't know he was Jewish. During his routine inspection, Moses saw an Egyptian slave master beating a Jew. Because he couldn't stand the torture of a fellow Jew, he killed the Egyptian slave-master. He fled Egypt when others found out about his action.

God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, including "You shall not murder." Regardless of any justifications Moses might have had for his actions, God made it clear that murder was wrong. It's striking that God chose a murderer to deliver the commandment -- "You shall not murder".

In Jesus' genealogy, you'll see Abraham, Rahab, David, all flawed people. The Bible's message is that God uses flawed people to fulfill His purpose. No human is perfect, but God still works through them.

Leaders today often present themselves as flawless and all-knowing. That's not real humanity, and that's not how God sees us. Everybody's got flaws. Only when we're humble and accept our imperfections can God use us.

God uses our weaknesses and vulnerabilities to reach, comfort, and lead others. God uses the abused to reach the other abused. If you survived a terrible divorce, God enables you to comfort those suffering in same situation. If you are disabled in any way, God allows you to encourage others with disabilities.

God always uses your situation to help others. Give yourself to Him and He'll expand your influence beyond your wildest dreams.

In this essay, I’ll explore three biblical murders and what they teach us. We'll also see how Jesus expands this commandment beyond mere actions to encompass deeper moral principles.

Three murders in the Bible and their meaning

Abel

As early as fourth chapter of the Bible, we see how humans can turn cruel and resort to ultimate violence against even their own. The sons of Adam, Abel and Cain, take on different vocations. Cain tills the soil, while Abel tends sheep. Cain brings some of his crops to God, but Abel brings his best. This isn't about what they offered but the motive behind it. Abel brings the finest of his flock with gratitude, while Cain offers some of his crops with a half-hearted attitude.

God, who searches everyone's heart and examines their minds, accepts Abel's offering and rejects Cain's. The rejection fuels Cain's anger. Cain is angry at God. He can't get revenge on God. So he directs his rage at Abel, even though Abel didn't wrong Cain. It's not like Abel cheated or cursed Cain. Or took what was rightfully Cain's. Still, Cain's anger festers because God accepted Abel's gift and rejected Cain's.

God tries to counsel Cain, advising him that doing right will lead to acceptance. He warns Cain that sin is lurking, ready to control him, but he must master it. Ignoring God's advice, Cain murders Abel.

Don't we see this ancient story playing out today? Often, we resent others for their blessings—looks, wealth, talents—and let jealousy consume us. Even though these fellow humans, and they could even be our siblings, have not wronged us, we hate them because we perceive they are somehow more gifted than us. Instead of mending our mind, we want to destroy their blessings. Worse, sometimes we want to take their life.

A few chapters after Genesis 4, we encounter the story of Joseph. Jacob, who fathered Joseph in his later years, showered him with love and care. He even gifted Joseph a multicolored robe. This favoritism sparked anger among Joseph's brothers. Although Joseph did wrong them, their jealousy grew fierce.

Whenever Joseph visits them as per his father's instructions, the brothers plotted to kill him. If not for Reuben's intervention, they would have succeeded. In the end, they sold Joseph to traveling merchants, pocketed the money, and sat down to eat. Brothers who ought to love each other, become cruel when they let jealousy consume them.

Naboth

King Ahab ruled Samaria, living in a grand palace with the entire nation at his disposal. Next to his palace, Naboth tended his ancestral land, passed down through generations. Ahab coveted Naboth's land for an herb garden and offered a fair price. But Naboth refused, valuing his heritage over money. Disappointed and frustrated, Ahab went home, refused to eat, and sank into sadness.

Queen Jezebel noticed Ahab's misery and asked why he was so downcast. When Ahab explained that Naboth wouldn't sell his land, Jezebel devised a sinister plan. She wrote letters to the town leaders in Ahab's name, instructing them to declare a fast and then accuse Naboth with false witnesses. Two witnesses were arranged to testify against Naboth, ensuring his execution under the guise of religious law.

The town leaders obeyed the queen's orders, declaring a fast meant for seeking divine favor. At day's end, the false witnesses accused Naboth, leading to his death. This hypocrisy was glaring; they used religious practices to mask their evil deeds.

The same playbook is used even today, when billionaires eye lands rich in minerals, often belonging to indigenous people like the Adivasis. They offer what they call fair prices but fail to account for the true value of displacing people from their ancestral homes. The compensation is meager compared to the billions they make from these lands.

Activists protesting these injustices are often labeled anti-national and against development. They face imprisonment or worse—evidence is planted against them, leading to jail or death, much like Father Stan Swamy who died in custody. The cycle of exploitation continues, masked by false pretenses and legal manipulations.

Discontentment doesn't come from our circumstances; it comes from our minds. Think of Paul and Silas in the Bible. They sang songs and praised God even while locked up in prison. Meanwhile, King Ahab, sitting in his grand palace, was miserable over a small piece of land. He had everything—honor, power, and pleasures—but that tiny plot drove him mad with discontent.

When discontentment grows unchecked, it can lead to terrible actions. Ahab's obsession led him to murder someone he should have protected. So be careful of discontentment; it can push you to dangerous extremes and blind you to the blessings you already have.

John the Baptist

Jesus said that among all men born of women, John the Baptist was the greatest. Why? John spoke truth without fear, whether to soldiers, Pharisees, or even to King Herod.

Herod had taken his brother's wife and lived immorally, setting a poor example for his subjects. John called him out, which neither Herod nor Philip's wife (Herodias) appreciated. As a result, Herod imprisoned John.

During a birthday celebration, Herod promised daughter of Philip's wife anything she wished. She consulted her mother and asked for John's head. To please the crowd and out of fear, Herod ordered John's execution. John's head was brought into the court, showing the danger of speaking truth to power—a danger that remains today.

People often fear for their lives or their status and thus stay silent about rulers' mistakes. In a democracy, this silence is even more concerning. Philip's wife waited for the right moment to eliminate her enemy, showing cunning ruthlessness. The guests at the celebration—likely leaders themselves—sat mute as John's head was presented. Some might have been glad; others horrified but too afraid to speak.

King Herod himself liked John and didn't want him killed but yielded to public pressure. Though he was king, he lacked true power because he couldn't act on his own will; he had to please others. His immorality led to further immoral acts in his kingdom, unchecked by his own conscience or authority.

The Bible teaches that when good rulers lead, people rejoice; otherwise, they live in fear.

Their blood still speaks

Abel, Naboth, and John the Baptist were all murdered in their youth, yet their blood continues to speak with us today. Their stories remind us that truth-tellers and truth-followers often face dire consequences.

Think about Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Their lives were cut short, but their messages live on. Their blood speaks louder than ever, echoing through the years. Enemies may have hoped to silence them, but their ideas planted deep roots.

Those who speak truth to power often pay with their lives. Father Stan Swamy in India is a recent example. He fought for the Adivasis and faced imprisonment on false charges. Deprived of basic needs, he died prematurely. Yet, his blood speaks; his legacy endures.

When moral people are killed for their beliefs, their ideas don't die with them. Their blood continues to speak, reminding us that truth and justice outlast oppression. We must remember this: killers can take a life, but they can't kill an idea. Ideas rooted in truth will stand the test of time and be remembered long after the bodies are gone.

Elevating Do Not Murder

Jesus elevates the commandment "Do not murder" in three profound ways.

1. Take care of your thoughts
2. Forgive
3. Reconcile

Take care of your thoughts

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭22

Jesus says thoughts matter. Because thoughts lead to actions. It starts as a fleeting thought, becomes a strong desire, and eventually an action. So, guard your heart, the wellspring of life.

When I read Jesus' commandment about thoughts leading to anger and eventually to murder, I realized the importance of managing my thoughts. Controlling thoughts seemed crucial, but I struggled because they are uncontrollable and keep coming and going. Whenever I had a bad or angry thought, I felt guilty even though I didn't act on it, creating a continuous spiral of guilt and seeking forgiveness.

Two things helped me. First, I heard Billy Graham say that you cannot control birds flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair. This meant that while you can't control thoughts from coming, you can stop them from taking permanent residence in your mind. This realization relaxed me, understanding that having thoughts wasn't the problem.

Second, reading Philippians where Paul advises thinking about what is true and noble helped. By focusing on good and noble thoughts, there is no time to entertain wrong ones. So, instead of trying to control my thoughts, I began filling my mind with God's promises and words, repeating them throughout the day. I also read biographies and other positive materials, which reduced the frequency of bad thoughts and made them dissipate quickly when they did occur.

Managing your thoughts isn't about controlling them but filling your mind with good and noble ideas so there's no room for anything else.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8

Forgive

Jesus' life has centered on forgiveness. He came to bear our sins so we can be forgiven and demonstrated this throughout His life. In the Lord's Prayer, He teaches us to forgive, saying, "forgive our sins as we forgive others." Even on the cross, He prayed, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing," showing compassion for those harming Him.

When I came to Christ, I struggled with forgiveness. When hurt or wronged—whether by words, actions, or even traffic incidents—the immediate reaction is often retaliation. Initially, I would react this way. However, reading the Bible more deeply revealed the difference between vengeance and justice.

When people hurt us, we often seek punishment as vengeance. For instance, if someone steals from me, I might want them caught and jailed. But justice means restoring what was lost or healing from the wrongdoing. God seeks justice, not vengeance. God says He will take vengeance; it is not our role.

In cases of severe crimes like murder, the response should be justice—not just punishment. Justice involves healing and restoration as if the harm never occurred. While perpetrators must face consequences, Christians should pursue justice that brings healing and builds a life in Jesus.

A powerful example is the wife of missionary Staines, whose husband and sons were burnt. She forgave their killers and continued her husband's mission work until retirement. This act of forgiveness embodies Jesus' command to take up our cross—a challenging but essential part of following Him.

Forgiveness is one of the harder crosses to bear, but it is central to our calling as Christians.

Reconcile

Forgiveness is the starting point, reconciliation is the journey, peace is the destiny. Jesus emphasized the importance of reconciling with those who hold different opinions or have wronged us. He advised that if you are offering a gift and remember a grudge against a brother, you should first reconcile with them.

Forgiveness is one-sided; it allows you to move on and leave justice to God. However, reconciliation requires active participation from both parties to remove grudges and misunderstandings. It involves building bridges and making peace, which is why Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."

Reconciliation is essential for lasting peace in society. Forgiveness alone leaves room for lingering grudges, while reconciliation addresses and resolves these issues. Paul noted that Jesus reconciled us with God, removing any grievances on both sides and establishing peace.

Peace is crucial for societal prosperity. Without it, efforts can be wasted, property can be destroyed, and lives can be endangered. Sustainable peace comes from reconciliation, not just forgiveness.

In conflicts where peace is desired, reconciliation must be pursued. It requires effort from both sides and is challenging for both victims and perpetrators. Forgiveness may be difficult, but reconciliation is even harder. Jesus calls for reconciliation because he reconciled us with God, setting an example for us to follow with others.

Conclusion

The commandment "You shall not murder" still holds true today. Our understanding of its deeper implications is improved by looking at biblical narratives and Jesus' teachings. The principles prevent physical violence, but they also foster compassion and justice in society. Embrace these teachings as we navigate our lives, making sure our actions reflect our inherent dignity of human life as intended by God, our maker.