Murder

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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The first death was caused by murder when Cain slew his brother Abel, and the second recorded is when Lamech said, “I have slain a man to my wounding,” or “for my wound”; which may mean that he did it in self-defense (Gen. 4:2323And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. (Genesis 4:23)). God set a mark upon Cain that none should kill him; and Lamech said, “If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.” After the flood God made a definite law concerning murder. God would require expiation for the blood of man, whether it was shed by beast or by man; at the hand of every man’s brother, or kinsman, God would require the life of man. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (Gen. 9:5-65And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. (Genesis 9:5‑6)). This injunction was repeated in the law, and has never been rescinded or modified. Neither does the New Testament in any way alter it: indeed it incidentally confirms it by declaring that the magistrate does not bear the sword in vain (Rom. 13:44For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4)). God claims the life of man, and none can set aside His rights.