Exodus 20:13 - Printer Friendly

The Lord began His declaration of the Law with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1). These are a framework supporting the rest of the Mosaic covenant (2 Chronicles 5:10). The first four define man's relationship to God (Exodus 20:2–11). The final six outline mankind's relationship to each other (Exodus 20:14–17), beginning with the need to honor parents (Exodus 20:12).

An instruction not to commit murder seems simple, but it is very often misinterpreted. The most common mistake is taking it as an order to never end a life—any life—for any reason. The King James translation uses the English word "kill" because it was mostly associated with illicit violence at the time. In modern speech, the word "kill" has a much broader meaning.

The Hebrew root word used here is ratsach. This implies a predatory, hostile act of taking life, or carelessness that leads to death. This is distinct from terms such as muwth, meaning "slay," or shachat, meaning "slaughter," or harag, meaning "kill." God is not prohibiting all taking of life. Eating meat (Genesis 9:3), offering sacrifice (Exodus 29:38; Leviticus 3:1), capital punishment (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:17), self-defense (Exodus 22:2), and warfare (Numbers 10:9) are not defined as "murder" in this context. Acts of negligence or disregard, however, are part of the restriction (Exodus 21:12–29). Accidents were to be judged before being punished (Numbers 35:11–12; Deuteronomy 4:41–43).

Jesus will further clarify this commandment, noting that thoughts can be sinful just as much as physical actions (Matthew 5:21–22).

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.