What Does the Bible Say About Assassinations?

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With recent attempted assassination of Former President Donald Trump, the nation is talking about the recent event more than ever. Assassinations, the targeted killing of a prominent person for political, religious, or ideological reasons, are a grim reality of human history. The Bible, a foundational text for billions around the world, addresses the sanctity of life and the morality of taking a life in various contexts. This article explores what the Bible says about assassinations and whether it approves of them.

The Bible is unequivocal about the sanctity of human life. One of the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:13, explicitly states, "You shall not murder." This commandment underscores the inherent value of every human life and the moral prohibition against taking life unlawfully.

While the Bible condemns murder, it also recounts numerous instances of violence and killing, often within the context of divine judgment, warfare, and political intrigue. Some of these instances involve acts that could be classified as assassinations:

1. Ehud and Eglon (Judges 3:12-30): Ehud, a judge of Israel, assassinated Eglon, the king of Moab, who was oppressing the Israelites. Ehud's act is presented as a divinely sanctioned liberation of Israel from Moabite domination.
2. Jehu and Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37): Jehu, anointed by the prophet Elisha, orchestrated the assassination of Jezebel, a queen known for her idolatry and persecution of prophets. This act fulfilled a prophecy and was portrayed as a divine judgment against Jezebel's wickedness.
3. David and Saul (1 Samuel 24 and 26): David, despite being pursued by King Saul, refrained from assassinating him when he had the opportunity. David's restraint was based on the principle that Saul was "the Lord's anointed," highlighting the moral complexity and reverence for God's chosen leaders.

From a theological perspective, the Bible's narratives and commandments suggest several key principles regarding assassinations:

1. Moral Prohibition Against Murder: The overarching biblical ethic is a prohibition against murder, emphasizing the sanctity of life. Assassinations, typically motivated by personal or political gain, fall under this moral prohibition.
2. Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The Bible reflects a belief in divine sovereignty and justice. Acts of violence, including assassinations, are sometimes depicted as instruments of divine judgment. However, these are exceptional cases where individuals act under divine directive, not personal volition.
3. Reverence for Authority: The Bible often emphasizes respect for God-appointed leaders, even flawed ones. David's refusal to kill Saul, despite Saul's hostility, underscores a respect for divine appointment and timing.

The Bible does not approve of assassinations in the sense of endorsing them as morally permissible acts for individuals to undertake based on personal or political motivations. The commandment "You shall not murder" establishes a clear moral boundary against taking life unlawfully. While the Bible recounts instances where killings occurred within the context of divine judgment or political upheaval, these narratives are descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Ultimately, the biblical ethic upholds the sanctity of life, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of God in matters of justice. Believers are called to trust in God's justice and timing rather than taking matters into their own hands through acts of assassination.