Thou shalt not kill?

The quote above is from the Bible, Exodus 20:13 to be exact. It is probably the most quoted and best known verse in the Ten Commandments. There is much confusion as to the duty of the veteran and law enforcement and even the judicial system because of the misunderstanding and misapplication of this verse. Critics will often quote it to make a point in an endless argument against war and justice, but none of them live by the other nine Commandments either! The implication of this verse speaks of murder, and any unjust or undue killing. The same Bible that condemns killing also condones capital punishment; in Genesis 9:6, God says “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” God does not contradict Himself, neither can He because a contradiction is a lie on the one side or the other. As one reads the Old Testament, he soon realizes that God sent the armies of Israel to battle against many enemies, and He worked many miracles among them. So…why all the confusion concerning this verse? Because man is ignorant to the ways of God. What then is man to do? Obey God first, and the law next.

The word “kill” here speaks of malicious killing—murder, with intent and deliberate planning, and out of hatred. It can only be interpreted this way lest we call God a hypocrite and accuse Him of lying to boot! I shudder to think of anyone being so brash, and foolishly bold. When men take it upon themselves to interpret the Word of God, there is always prejudice involved, and self will. How can prideful men see truth? How can evil understand good? Too often we base our lives on our own interpretation of scripture, and the end is always disastrous. The Bible says what it says, with no need for clarification, but with a God-given sense that honors Him and His name.