The second table of the law is summed up by our Lord as "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39). The truth of this is easily seen in an overview of these commands.

1. The sixth command protects our neighbor's life (Exodus 20:13).
2. The seventh command protects our neighbor's family (Exodus 20:14).
3. The eighth command protects our neighbor's estate (Exodus 20:15).
4. The ninth command protects our neighbor's reputation (Exodus 20:16).
5. The tenth command forbids the very attitude of heart that is at the root of so much of man's mistreatment of man (Exodus 20:17).
Let us now return to our study of the sixth commandment.

1. The History Of Murder
Sin is of such a malignant nature that it leads those infected thereby to harm others. No sooner was Satan a sinner than he became a murderer (John 8:44). This same nature has been common to men since the fall. The first man born into this world murdered his brother (Genesis 4:8). Soon men boasted of violence (Genesis 4:23-24) until the earth was full of bloodshed (Genesis 6:11-13). The history of human kind is the history of war.

2. What The Sixth Commandment Really Teaches
Remember that each commandment mentions only the worst example in a particular category of sin. We are to understand that the entire group of sins is forbidden. The sixth commandment forbids us to harm our neighbor in any way. Murder is the worst case scenario. Because "love fulfills the law" we understand that even the positive duty of protecting our neighbor is implied. Things forbidden by this law would include:
a. Hatred - Murder begins in the heart. Christ did not add to the law in the Sermon on the Mount but rather He explained it (Matthew 5:21-22). We must avoid bitterness, revenge, envy, or jealousy toward others. The company of violent people must be avoided (Proverbs 22:24).
(1) Murder - Numbers 35:16-21
(2) Criminal Neglect - Exodus 21:28-29, Deuteronomy 22:8
(3) Careless or Dangerous Activity - A person who drives drunk is guilty of risking the lives of others.
(4) Evil Profit - We must never allow ourselves to profit at the expense of others. The dope dealer and the bartender are guilty of much harm toward others.
(5) We must never be guilty of unconcern, neglect, or silence while the innocent suffer (Proverbs 31:8-9).
(6) Suicide - This is self murder. Our lives are not our property to be disposed of as we see fit.

3. When Is Killing Not Murder
a. Capital Punishment - God has given to the state the right and the duty to punish law breakers (Romans 13:13-14). Those who use the sixth commandment to forbid capital punishment are using scripture in an irresponsible manner. The very next chapter contains a command for the death penalty (Exodus 21:12).
The sixth commandment is a law. Laws always carry a penalty for those who transgress. The penalty for murder is death (Genesis 9:6). Notice in the following scriptures how that God holds civil government responsible to avenge innocent blood (Numbers 35:31, Deuteronomy 19:11-13, Deuteronomy 21:1-9).
b. Righteous War - Civil government has the right to wage war for righteous causes (John 18:36, Wars of Israel). Needless to say war is often fought for sinful reasons (James 4:1-2).
c. Manslaughter - Deuteronomy 19:5. Accidental death is not murder.
d. Self Defense - Exodus 22:1-4

4. Value Of The Sixth Commandment
a. This law as others reveals to us our need of a Saviour. Who dares say that they have never felt the desire to harm another (Matthew 6:21-22).
b. This law sifts the true from the merely nominal Christian (I John 3:14-15).
c. As Christians the law reminds us of our duty. We must love and seek the welfare of our fellow man. If it is wrong to neglect the safety of our neighbor's body how much more must we watch over their souls. d. As citizens we learn the importance of just laws. Abortion and unrestrained violence must be opposed in our society.