The Hebrew word translated as “kill” in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 (in most, but not all Bible translations) is Hebrew “ratsach”, which means “murder”. Carrying out a death penalty is not murder.
The Bible is quite clear that the death penalty is fine.
And of course much of the rest of the law given to the Hebrews called on the death penalty to be carried out for things like murder.
True.
On the other hand, the death penalty removes souls from the pool of those that may be saved to spend eternity with God - something He wants of even the vilest sinners. Jonah found that out when he decided that those in Nineveh were too evil to deserve being saved and God insisted that he go....
This will help your argument even more:
“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no MURDER, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 19:17-18)
Jesus himself confirms that the Law condemns “murder”, not putting criminals to death, which the Bible commands:
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” (Genesis 9:6)
This predates the Law of Moses. And it has never been abolished. It’s still in effect.
The “Pope” doesn’t know the Bible.
Add that God ordered the Israelite’s to kill people.
AMEN.
Thank you for posting that.
States have the right and obligation to protect their populace from murderers.
Yes, thou shall not murder. Is my understanding too. Self defense (and lots more) is impossible under thou shall not kill.