“You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13
Joseph had led his family to Egypt in the safety and protection of the Pharaoh. Years later, however, the new king of Egypt mandated that all midwives would, upon seeing the birth of a Hebrew son, kill him. When the midwives refused to comply, he commanded, “‘Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile’” (Exod. 1:22). God spared Moses from this fate, and he also saved his people’s lives through Moses as he led them to the Promised Land.
God wants his people to live in freedom. He doesn’t just protect our life; he gave us our life when he created us and breathed his breath into us (Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Ps. 139:13–16). Because God treasures life, the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder,” is not just about what not to do; it also implies what to do: be life-giving to the people around you.
God not only gives us life; he gives us new life through redemption. Because of what God has done, we’re able to love him and each other, sharing his joy with others through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Observation
While you may not have physically murdered someone, we are all implicated by this command when we take into context the entirety of Scripture.
- In Matthew 5:21–22, we see Jesus teaching on Exodus 20:13 and explaining how murder is not just the physical act. What do emotions, thoughts, and words reveal about the human heart?
- Read James 4:1–3. What is the root of war and murderous desires? Who are we thinking about when we focus on our passions, desires, and envy?
Interpretation
Because of the richness of God’s grace and mercy, we can draw near to him and be filled with his Spirit rather than the murderous intent of our hearts. As God’s people, we can be empowered by his Spirit to bless others with life.
- Many of the commandments are summarized in the command to love. Read Romans 13:8–10. How does love overcome murderous intents? How does love put anger at our brother in perspective?
- Who in Luke 10:29–37 shows love, and how does it give life to the man who was robbed?
Application
- God gave life and embedded his image in each person. What are we doing to God’s image and ultimately God himself when we hate another person?
- It’s not always sinful to be angry. But consider the last time you experienced anger. Why were you angry? What does the abovementioned passage in James 4:1–3 reveal about your words, facial expressions, gestures, or other actions?
- Why is it dangerous to allow anger, envy, or hatred to fester into bitterness?
- While many of us may never physically kill another, we may tolerate certain political policies that do. What kinds of things do we tolerate from the government or via social norms that the Bible might define as murder? What should our response be?
- Read Proverbs 10:11 and 12:18. What does it mean to give life or healing through your words? Think of an example of when someone’s words have blessed you. Have you ever blessed anyone with life or healing through your words? Who in your life would benefit from your words of kindness, mercy, or healing?
- Rather than inaction or negative action, Christ calls us to love others through our actions. (See Prov. 31:8–9; Ps. 82:3–4; Matt. 25:31–40.) Ask God to give you eyes to see the suffering around you and open your heart to another’s heartache. What life-giving action(s) do you need to take?
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
