Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, February 21, 2022
Shalom,
Before I write about the sixth commandment, I want to offer some observations. It seems that the 10 Commandments are a compilation or recapitulation of what has already been stated elsewhere in the Scriptures concerning the wisdom of God. Some of these commandments do appear to be stated for the first time in Exodus 20, but are restated in many of places throughout the Bible. God is commanding us how to live a long, joyous and healthy life. Our heavenly Father wants the best for His children. That really shouldn’t be headline material, should it?
The first 4 commandments are widely viewed as being commands between God and man, while the last 6 are viewed as being between man and man. However; when we sin in any way (even against our parents or fellow man), we should see that our sin is primarily against God, Who, in His wisdom, prohibited such behavior.
Furthermore; it seems that love is central to all the commandments. Matthew 22:37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire Torah and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” As we discuss the rest of the commandments, see if this is not absolutely true.
לֹא תִרְצָח
Lo Tirtzach meaning “No murder.”
The Shoresh is “Ratzach” (Resh-Tzadi-Chet) meaning murder or slay. The “Tav” is prefixed to indicate second person future “you will.” However; the “Lo” in front of it means “no” or colloquially, “don’t.” “You will not murder” is the commandment.
Sometimes this is misunderstood as “thou shalt not kill.” This Hebrew word is never used in Scripture in connection with war. It is always by an individual, with or without a weapon and intentionally or accidentally. In cases of accidental murder, there are remedies. Numbers 35 is exhaustive on this subject. It finally comes down to this… Numbers 35:24 the assembly must judge between the manslayer and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. In other words, the community must make a judgment if a death was accidental or intentional.
Obey the Lord, my friends. Stay out of trouble with both God and the authorities. Don’t murder anyone. Yeshua admonishes us not to even get angry, thus avoiding bad behavior due to emotional overload. Matthew 5:21 “You have heard it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever commits murder shall be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be subject to judgment.
Mankind did not even pass the first generation before there was a murderer among us. Genesis 4:10 Then He (God) said (to Cain), “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground.” And God passed judgment on Cain. Genesis 4:11 “So now, cursed are you from the ground which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 As often as you work the ground, it will not yield its crops to you again. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” Yet God did not permit anyone to avenge Abel’s blood.
And here again, the answer is love. Murder is not lovely. Love is therefore connected to the sixth commandment.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 21-Feb-2022 20th of Adar I, 5782
Ex 35:21-29 2 Ki 13 Ps 122-123 Jn 17 (Heb 7:15-29)
Week 9
Memory Verse: Exodus 33:16 For how would it be known that I or your people have found favor in Your sight? Isn’t it because You go with us, that distinguishes us from all the people on the face of the earth?”
41 2/24 Monday: Exodus 32-33
42 2/25 Tuesday: Exodus 34-36:1
43 2/26 Wednesday: Exodus 40
44 2/27 Thursday: Leviticus 8-9
45 2/28 Friday: Leviticus 16-17