Shalom, Mitspacha!
The Sanctity of Life: Mitzvah on Murder
“You shall not murder.”
- Shemot 20:13
Life is the breath of YHVH Himself - the very spark He breathed into Adam at creation. Every human life, regardless of circumstance, carries that divine imprint. When the Torah declares, “You shall not murder,” it is more than a legal boundary - it is a spiritual command guarding the image of Elohim within us.
Yahusha deepened this mitzvah by revealing that anger and hatred are the roots of murder. When we let bitterness take hold, we destroy life in our hearts before any outward act is done. This mitzvah teaches us to value every soul and to guard our hearts against resentment, vengeance, and coldness. The Torah reminds us that innocent blood cries out from the ground, and justice belongs to YHVH alone.
“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of Elohim He made man.”
- Bereshith 9:6
In our time, this commandment calls us to resist the culture of death that desensitizes hearts. Whether through violence, indifference, or neglect, taking life - or failing to defend it - defiles the land. But repentance restores. When we confess and turn from violence, YHVH’s mercy renews us and teaches our hands for peace instead of war.
The mitzvah of not murdering is also the mitzvah of preserving life. We honor it by speaking peace, forgiving quickly, and interceding for those trapped in hatred. To protect life means to protect the dignity of every human being - the poor, the weak, and even those who wrong us. Returning to the heart of Torah, we choose to be life-bearers, not life-takers, standing as witnesses that the blood of the innocent still matters before YHVH.
Abba YHVH, cleanse our hearts from anger and unforgiveness. Teach us to see Your image in others and to guard life as a sacred trust. May our actions and words bring peace where there is strife, and light where darkness seeks to destroy. Fill us with the compassion of Yahusha, who conquered death and restored life.
Baruch YHVH.
YHVH bless you and guard you.
YHVH make His face shine upon you and show favor to you.
YHVH lift up His face upon you and give you shalom.
- Bemidbar 6:24-26
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.