It was a surprise to me to learn from one of the online authors on this topic state that the Bible only furnishes two classifications of killing: "accidental and intentional". That author said,
"...self-defense is not an option in God's eyes although by the law of the land" [emphasis mine]
it is. *1
Dr. Sri K. Dhammananda, author of What Buddhists Believe writes that
"Buddha advised everyone to abstain from killing"
and that the best self-defense/protection
"is loving-kindness."
These are excellent points but Dhammananda does acknowledge one cannot always escape with those sentiments. He resumes his opinions asserting,
"During the struggle to protect himself, if a man happens to kill, then he does not create bad karma resulting from that death" (Page 373).
We discover from the Bible that in the case of accidental death, God provided the Israelites six different places called "Cities of Refuge" to which a killer could flee. Once the killer reached that haven, the avenger could not avenge the victim. The elders of each particular city of refuge would have to determine if indeed the victim's death was accidental, or done in cold-blooded murder. However, if that accidental-or-not-killer did go outside the city of refuge, his fate was in his own hands. The avenger had a right to avenge the death of the victim.
After the City of Refuge trial determined the murderer guilty of intentional murder, killing in cold blood, then the avenger of blood himself would put the murderer to death (Numbers 35:9-28).
Besides the elders of the city of refuge, there needed to be witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15-21) and the testimony of the one who fled to the city of refuge. There were scenarios in which they'd even have to call in the priests and to stand in the presence of the Lord, the Righteous Judge, to determine correct justice. These are guiding principles to this day and age!
In today's world it's the governments that dole out sentencing and punishments, not the avenger of blood. The avenger will take the other person to court and there will be that very long and drawn out process to a hopefully just end. It is not the avenger, however, who is at liberty to execute the punishment.
Compelling Truth.org brings Exodus 22:2-3 (ESV) to our attention:
"If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay...."
Compelling Truth mentions that time and place and situation have bearing on the instance in which self-defense can be engaged. They also give some examples from the Bible such as in the case of Abraham rescuing Lot by force. This is acting in defense of others. We will see some further examples later on.
Another author I "googled" expresses the opinion that the Bible does indicate that mankind may take the life of another in only four particular circumstances. We have discussed some of these already. These four circumstances being:
"...self-defense; defense of others; acting in defense of one's nation against foreign aggressors and the state's civil duty to execute criminals who have been properly convicted of capital crimes". *2
It is good to distinguish whether a case is indeed an action of self-defense or that the person is acting in vengeance. Are we, in indignant anger that an intruder broke into our home threatening potential danger to ourself and family, ready to send him or her the fatal bullet to pre-empt our personal harm, or is it true self-defense; that is the tricky question.
Bible Reasons has some good thoughts on the matter. Please click on the link to see their views.
I do know that split second decisions are not easy ones. I recall a time when some friends and myself were sleeping in the basement of a home. The landlord got broken into in the night. The daughter had her room invaded but engaged in conversation with the intruder, whose weapon of choice was a machete. She pled with him to just take the money but leave her wallet and identification documents, so we learned later. The man was actually heartbroken and desperate so that he felt he had to resort to such actions as he had a hungry wife and children at home; so he said.
I remember sorting through our possessions in my mind for what could be used as a "weapon" of self-defense should the fellow decide to come downstairs. I was also praying that he would not come and that the family upstairs would be safe and the intruder leave quickly.
You see, self-defense was the first thought, and likely that of most people's who have time to think. The daughter's self-defense was speech and entreaty; what she had at her disposal on the spur and heat of the moment. My idea was something a bit harder. Second thought only, was prayer.
Different situations call for different modes of handling. This was a minor case and realize the intensity others experience is far worse and calls for greater reaction.
The Bible example of Esther and her people is an excellent one in regards to self-defense and the defense of others on a more major scale. When the king of the Medes and Persians' decree to annihilate the Jews in the kingdom, instigated by Haman, could not be overturned, Esther negotiated a counter decree allowing the Jews to arm and defend themselves for the allotted time frame (Esther 8:10-13:9). They were protecting their lives (8:11-12) against those who hated them (9:1-5).
Nehemiah's time of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is another great example. Each of the workmen girded themselves with sword in one hand and work tools in the other, preparing to defend themselves against those who wanted to hinder the construction (Nehemiah 4:10-13, 16, 18, 21). They were on guard all the while they worked.
In the New Testament, note that Jesus didn't speak for or against self-defense per se. He did ask the disciples in Luke 22:35-39 if they didn't have a sword to sell their cloak and buy one. They said they had two. Jesus answered, "That's enough".
If they were carrying swords, you'd expect they knew how to use them. In fact Peter did cut off the high priest's servant's ear with one when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. (John 18:10).
Jesus didn't tell Peter to carry on. No, He told Peter to...
"...put up thy sword into the sheath" (John 18:11 KJV).
It's interesting to note that Jesus allowed the contingent to arrest Him despite it's being unjust. Jesus willingly allowed His capture and didn't aggressively strike back.
Again I quote an article from the internet. The author writes that Jesus seemed to be saying,
"Though we have a right to employ our swords in defense of this unrighteous arrest we are intentionally putting aside our lawful right and I'm allowing myself to be taken without resistance."
Could it have been that Jesus was saying, wonders the author, that the...
"...sword is not always the appropriate response, especially in enduring persecution for Christ; that there is greater protection than swords".
Indeed, many persecuted believers the world over are led "like lambs to the slaughter" (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus Christ is ever our perfect example in living the Christian life.
I'm not saying we don't get ourselves out of a situation if possible. Jesus did ask His captors to let the disciples go free (John 18:7-9).
Sri Dhammananda makes a very valid point reflecting ideal Buddhist thought,
"...it is not how the killing occurs that is important, but the fact that the life of one being is unnaturally terminated." (Page 374).
Followers of Jesus Christ are reminded that it is God who gives breath and who takes it away as He alone knows the number of our days (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; 32:8; 34:14-15). He is our Avenger for He says,
"Vengeance is Mine; I will repay" (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:17-19)
A person does well to ponder on these things. I don't think we just let someone rape or shoot us without trying to defend ourself. There is need to extricate ourself as we can according to God's guidelines in conjunction with the government's law of the land in which one lives.
Yes, that can open another whole can of worms especially in countries where Christians and others of other religions are not protected and from which the governing powers do not base their individual selves or their laws on God's Word.
God gives life to mankind. Mankind must hold that precious even in situations that require self-defense. In the heat of the moment it may well be difficult to think before you shoot or bash a baseball bat on someone's head.. Avoid the death of another if at all possible. Thinking about this now before such an unwanted event could occur, may well be pre-emptive of regret, post shot. Yet...
"If any lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously..." (James 1:5 NIV).
~ERC December 2018~
Notes:
Some of the internet references used while writing the original draft of this entry seem to now be no longer available. Below, you will find however, the reference web addresses: perhaps access can be reached from elsewhere.
*1. www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/library.sr/
*2. rippster4Christ.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-bible-and-euthanasia.htm
Another site about self defense:
Biblical Self Defense
The following is a secular view of self-defense. It's very long (about 89 pages), written by a lawyer but in semi-layman's terms for greater understanding.
Lawyer's view.
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