Forgiving For Murder - Page 2 of 2

Forgiving For Murder - Page 2

In the ten commandment in its original Hebrew the 7th commandment is "lo tirtzach"* which means do not Murder. It is not the Thou shall not Kill as it is incorrectly translated into English.

I would think this is a significant distinction that would allow for the defense of ones own life or that of another even if it meant having to take life. It also would differentiate between accidental killing and intentional killing.

The old testament is full of instances where righteous individuals had to take up arms in defense of self and country. In my opinion The Lord forgives those who are compelled to defend property and country because of decisions by the State. If the cause is unjust then those in Government would be held accountable.


As to forgiving murderers, I would have the hardest time doing this, especially if it were a close family member killed. I would definitely hold that person accountable which is entirely different then forgiveness. Sometimes God punishes us in this life even after we have sought forgiveness(He may allow let us get a sexually transmitted disease if we are promiscuous, or suffer for bad choices regardless if we have asked for forgiveness) and I think it is necessary to hold people accountable. When we forgive others we are letting go of bitter feelings for that person and changing who we are. The change in them can only come from God.


* from The Hebrew Ten Commandments
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