Sermons on 6th Commandment
Deuteronomy 21:10-22:8
The sixth commandment, “You shall not murder”, entails more than simply refraining from killing another person. In Deuteronomy 21:10-22:8 Moses expounds the sixth commandment to include preserving life for the vulnerable, those in one’s family, and even one’s enemies. It is a violation of the sixth commandment to deprive another of the things needed for life.
Deuteronomy 20:1-20
In Deuteronomy 20:1-20 Moses gives instructions for war. Contrary to pacifist teaching, the Bible is not absolutely against war in this world. There are regulations, however. A just war is one that is fought for just ends. In such situations those fighting must trust in God and not be afraid. A just war is conducted so as to preserve the lives of women and children. We are reminded in all of these laws that God is the one who fights…
Deuteronomy 19:1-21; 21:1-9
In Deuteronomy 19:1-21 and 21:1-9 Moses deals with how Israel is apply the sixth commandment prohibiting murder in public life. Moses commanded the Israelites to set aside cities of refuge so that people who unintentionally kill another may flee there and be saved. In these passages Moses emphasizes the importance of intention for guilt in murder, the establishment of the truth with multiple witnesses, the importance of the death penalty, and the imperfection of justice in this life (which leads…