Exodus 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill.”
The sixth commandment has caused a lot of confusion for many people. It has been misunderstood for centuries among various Christian groups, and some have misinterpreted it altogether.
To understand it better, it often helps to understand the context in which it was written. When Moses was given the Ten Commandments, their nation was preparing to go to the “Promised Land.”
They understood that it meant going to war and conquering the people in that land. There were even several battles they had to fight before they entered the land – and Moses directed them.
Numbers 1:3 tells us that God commanded Moses: “From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.” This numbering was a draft into the army of Israel, and all healthy men had to participate – it means no conscientious objectors. They prepared for war and soon had many battles before and after entering the Promised Land.
God also similarly led David to do the same. God gave him strength to fight Goliath. These verses clearly indicate that it is right to help defend our nation and family. I also believe that the meaning of the commandment is thou shalt not murder, and other laws given to Moses later tend to support this view.
Now, looking at what Jesus said in the New Testament to the soldiers: “And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Lu 3:14). Let me quickly point out that it did not refer to war, but to soldiers who were in an occupying force in the land.
I am aware that different preachers (and individuals) interpret this verse differently. Basically, I believe that it means that Christians are not to be violent people. We are to be like Christ as much as possible, and His Spirit within helps us to accomplish it. There may be times, however, when self-defense may become necessary – such as when defending your family.
God’s overall intent for believers today is to let God do the avenging. He can do a much better job of it.