Does “You Shall Not Murder” Contradict Old Testament Violence?

At first glance, this appears to be a contradiction. On one hand, the sixth commandment says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). On the other, God commands the Israelites to wage war against various nations, often resulting in mass death (e.g., Deuteronomy 20:16–18; Joshua 6). Is this a contradiction? Not when the Hebrew wording, context, and divine purpose are understood biblically.

1. “You Shall Not Murder” — The Meaning of the Commandment

The Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 is “רָצַח” (ratsach), which refers to unauthorized, unjustified killing — what we would call murder. It does not refer to all forms of killing, such as capital punishment, accidental death, or warfare. In fact, the Mosaic Law gives clear distinctions between these:

Numbers 35:11–12 differentiates between murder and accidental manslaughter. Exodus 21:12–14 permits capital punishment for premeditated murder. Ecclesiastes 3:8 says there is “a time for war and a time for peace.”

So, the commandment is not a blanket prohibition against all killing, but specifically against unjust killing — rooted in hatred, selfishness, or vengeance.

2. God’s Judgment Through Israel Was Unique and Righteous

In several Old Testament instances, such as the conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1–6), God commands Israel to destroy entire nations. Why?

These were not ordinary wars; they were acts of divine judgment. The Canaanite nations were deeply corrupt — involved in child sacrifice, idol worship, and sexual immorality (Leviticus 18:24–30). God waited over 400 years to judge them (Genesis 15:16), showing immense patience before commanding judgment.

God used Israel as His instrument of justice, just as He later used Babylon and Assyria to judge Israel when they rebelled. This is a sobering truth: God is holy and has the authority to give and take life. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25).

3. Jesus Affirms the Spirit of the Law

Jesus affirmed the moral law of God and deepened its meaning:

“You have heard… ‘You shall not murder.’ But I say… everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:21–22).

Jesus condemns hatred and unjust anger, which are the heart of murder. Yet He does not contradict God’s justice or His use of judgment in the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus speaks more about hell and judgment than almost anyone in Scripture (Matthew 10:28, Matthew 25:46).

4. Application Today: The New Covenant Calls Us to Peace

In the New Covenant, the Church is not a political nation like Israel. We are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), called to love our enemies, suffer persecution, and lay down our lives (Romans 12:17–21). We do not bear the sword of judgment — that belongs to God alone (Romans 13:4).

Conclusion: No Contradiction, But a Deeper Revelation of God’s Justice and Mercy

The sixth commandment forbids murder, not all killing. God’s commands in the Old Testament to destroy certain nations were righteous acts of judgment against evil — not random or personal acts of violence. In Christ, we see God’s justice satisfied and His mercy extended.

This should lead us not to accuse God, but to fear Him rightly and trust in His perfect righteousness.