Introduction
    Why did Yahweh command that we “not kill,” and yet had His people go to war in the past? It seems contradictory until we look closely at what Scripture says.
   Are you ready for a Bible Study? Grab your concordance and a Bible, and let’s start.
   First of all, why does He say, “Do not kill,” or does He? Deuteronomy 5:17, says, “Thou shalt not kill.” (The King James Version 1900 is used throughout unless otherwise noted.)
   If we ask what the Hebrew word “kill” means, we find that the word “kill” takes on clearer meaning. In Strong’s Concordance H7523, the word “kill” is ratsach (raw-tsakh’) meaning to “murder,” “premeditated,” or “revenge.”
   Another question would be, “Can we find where the word “kill” means just that, kill?” The answer is, “Yes.” We read in Exodus 22:2, If a thief be found breaking [in], and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. The word “smitten” H5221, nakah (naw-kaw’) here means “kill,” “strike,” or “smite.” Notice: there is no death penalty here, for self-defense.
   Are there any more definitions? Let’s look at Genesis 22:10, And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. The word “slay” is H7819 shachat (shaw-khat’) meaning “sacrifice,” or “slaughter.” This neither means “murder” nor “kill” in the sense of what we have just examined.
   Yet another definition is found in Numbers 3:17: And they warred against the Midianites, as Yahweh commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. The word “slew” here is H2026 harag (haw-rag), it really means “out of hand,” “judicial execution,” an “authorized or sanctioned killing.”
   With the above definitions we can get a clearer view of what certain verses are really saying. But what happens when you find two or more of these in successive verses, and these have different meanings? This is where we get to rightly divide His Word.
   Let’s take a look at a couple examples. First in Exodus 21:12, He that smiteth (H5221) a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. How can this be? This isn’t murder? We find the answer in the next verse:
   And if a man lie not in wait, but Elohim deliver(ed) him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee, Exodus 21:13. Here, we see that if the person’s guilt is questionable, that is, it doesn’t look like it was murder (he wasn’t lying in wait for the other person; it wasn’t premeditated), then he had the right to go to a place of safety … a “city of refuge,” as they were called in times past.
   The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, “men are often done (put) to death in revenge for what was the purest accident. To prevent such a thing where possible, and to provide for a right administration of justice, these cities (cities of refuge) were instituted. Open highways were to be maintained … which the manslayer might have an unobstructed course to the city gate.”
   Yahweh is the one who establishes civil laws (Dan. 2:21, 4:17; Prov. 8:15). Today, there is a civil justice system in place that can help those in similar situations. We pray for our government and its leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
   Proceeding to Exodus 21:14, But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay (H2026) him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. The word “slay” does not mean “murder” here, so why the death sentence? The key is in the word “presumptuously.” It’s H2102 zuwd (zood) and means “arrogant,” or “rebellious.” We find written this definition:
   “One is presumption. Because a person is proud he presumes too much in his favor, especially in the sense of authority,” Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament.
   Given that this is the meaning let’s also look at Deuteronomy 18:20, which says, But the prophet, which shall presume (H2102) to speak a word in My Name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other [mighty ones], even that prophet shall die.
   Let’s get the final word on this: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous (root H2102) sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression, Psalms 19:13.
   If, for example, a person wants someone hurt or even dead, and says to himself, “Yeah, I just know Yahweh wants that loser dead anyway, so I’ll do it!” then the reality is that the person is a murderer in Yahweh’s sight. (More on this a little later.)
   Verse 15 of Exodus 21:12-15, says, And he that smiteth (H5221) his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. We know that (H5221) is not murder, so again, why the death sentence? We can find the answer by putting two and two together. The 5th Commandment reads:
   Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which Yahweh thy Elohim giveth thee, Exodus 20:12.
   The point is, because this is so important (it’s one of the foundational commands), that purposely killing, striking, or smiting (H5221) one or the other, or both, deserves death. It’s that simple.

Only the Called and Chosen
   It seems to be embedded into most of “Christianity’s” mind that our Heavenly Father is presently trying to save all of mankind. Not so. Let’s expose this false idea. There is a process of calling and choosing, as we see here:
   For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But Elohim hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Elohim hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27.
   Have you ever heard of predestination? What did Yahshua say to the mother that wanted her sons to sit with Him in His Kingdom? And He saith unto them, to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father, Matthew 20:23.
   We also read, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Elohim, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:28-29.
   Yahweh knew before they were born that He would call them! This, however, does not mean that one is saved just because one is called. He clearly says through Yahshua, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” Matthew 22:14.
   It’s important to know all this before we fully answer important questions, such as, “Why did He have His people go to war?”
   Knowing that Yahweh is working primarily with those that He calls now, we can get a clearer picture of what is going on. For He saith, “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,” 2 Corinthians 6:2.
   The Apostle Paul is saying there is an acceptable time, “now,” available for those being called and chosen. There will also be “a” day of deliverance for the rest of mankind, but who are not “now” called.
   Understand that many, even before Yahshua came and offered himself, never heard or understood Yahweh’s truth. Many today also do not fully understand the truth – the only way, if Yahweh reveals it to them (Matt 16:17).
   It will be in the second resurrection from the dead for many, but some that go through the tribulation will also have their “first” opportunity for deliverance in the Kingdom (a one-thousand year period, on earth, Rev. 5:10, 20:6). (Read our mini-study called, Just One Resurrection?)
   Nevertheless, the majority of Christianity believes in a “Going to Heaven.” However, only Yahshua has risen to heaven. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven, John 3:13. Even King David, a man after Yahweh’s own heart, is not in heaven:
   Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day … For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, “Yahweh said unto my Master, ‘Sit thou on my right hand’”… For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of Elohim, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption, Acts 2:29, 34, 13:36. (Read our mini-study called, A Matter of Death and Life.)
   We can see that going to war with people that Yahweh was trying to save, doesn’t make sense. But it does make sense that Yahweh was NOT trying to save everybody then, nor is Yahweh calling everyone now!
   A question that comes to mind is, “Why is the Word going forth to all Nations?” And this Good News of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come, Matthew 24:14. There we have it, the Word is going forth, not to “convert,” but as a “witness” to every nation. Has this happened? The answer is “Almost.”

Yahweh’s Wars of the Past
    There are specific reasons why Yahweh allowed war and killing. While Israel was wandering around for 40 years in the wilderness, wicked, vile and corrupt people inhabited the land. Yahweh’s solution? Surgery! Cut them out, like a surgeon would cut out gangrene or cancer. Get rid of vile and corrupt pagans (Deut. 7:1-8), and indeed they were vile and utterly corrupted!
   King David, the Bible tells us, was himself trained by Yahweh, for war.
   It is El that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me, Psalms 18:32-40. King David gives Yahweh credit.
   Yahweh does not need man to do battle for Him, as He has shown many times that He can take care of things without us. When war occurred, Yahweh gave victory.
   We read of this in Numbers 21:34-35, NASB: But Yahweh said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.” So they killed him and his sons and all his people, until there was no remnant left him; and they possessed his land.
   We read in Deuteronomy 21:10, “Yahweh thy Elohim hath delivered them into thine hands.”
Clearly, Yahweh fights our battles, and delivers victory! At the same time, we stand by, participating when it’s His will.
   Look at what happened in Numbers 14:41-45:
   And Moses said, “Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of Yahweh? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for Yahweh is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from Yahweh, therefore Yahweh will not be with you.” But they presumed (H6075) to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
   (Read chapters 13 and 14 to get a good overview of what took place, and pray we never make our Father angry with us by complaining and grumbling to His face and before His servants, as these men did.)
   With much prayer and discernment, we need to see if certain things are His will, and one of the best ways to find this out today is to study His word. His people never went to war, unless it was Yahweh’s will, and if they did go without His approval, it resulted in their destruction.

Yahweh’s Wars Today
   Today, His people do not fight in physical wars in His Name. We do, however, fight a spiritual war! We are told to be good soldiers:
   Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Yahshua Messiah. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier, 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
   We are warned not to fight physical wars now. Then Yahshua said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:52-53, NASB.
   We normally do not need to have or use physical swords in everyday life, but we are told to have and use a spiritual sword.
   Some say that because Yahshua’s own disciple carried a sword, then we should too. However, this was purposed to fulfill Scripture. We read verse 54, How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?
   Among our spiritual weapons found in Ephesians 6:14-18, we read in verse 17, And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim. This is the sword we must have, the Word of our Father Yahweh. We also know that the “Word” is Yahshua (John 1:1).
   Notice the response He gave to Rome’s Governor, Pontius Pilate: Yahshua answered, “My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence,” John 18:36.
   We must follow our Master, and He wants us to desire spiritual things:
   Mind the matters above, not those on the earth. For you have died (this happens at immersion/baptism), and your life has been hidden with Messiah in Elohim. When the Messiah, who is our life, is manifested, then you also shall be manifested with Him in esteem, Colossians 3:2, TS. (Read our study, Why Be Baptized Into the Name of Yahshua?)
   Not until He returns will this happen, none of His people are up there playing on their harps. But, when He returns, we will become spirit-beings, as He is Pure Spirit.
   Getting back to the weapons of war with which we are equipped:
   For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through Elohim to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of Elohim, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
   Today around the world, there are physical wars being fought, but these all will soon end. However, before they do, we read of one more physical battle that will take place:
   Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; “Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty [men] to come down, O Yahweh. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats (vats) overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of Yahweh is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. Yahweh also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Yahweh will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel,” Joel 3:9-16.

Yahweh’s Future War
    What will take place? We read in Isaiah 13:11-18, And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of Yahweh of hosts, and in the day of His fierce anger. And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished. Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. Why is Yahweh going to bring this future war? We just read, “And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease.”
   Yahweh is NOT pleased that this world is murdering innocent unborn children! Yahweh is NOT pleased with the filth that society calls entertainment! Yahweh is NOT pleased with the corruption in man’s governments, and Yahweh will NOT let it continue indefinitely!
   This is a terrible war that’s coming! Whom will you call upon, on that day? We read, But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; “And it shall come to pass in the last days,” saith Elohim, “I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day Yahweh come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of Yahweh shall be saved,” Acts 2:16-21.
   Many claim to be prophesying, saying they are “slain in the Spirit” speaking babble, claiming it is the speaking in tongues (speaking in different languages, a sign for unbelievers, this time too, 1 Cor. 14:22). They claim visions and dreams. But, according to Yahweh’s Word, this pouring out of the Spirit will not happen again just before this dreadful day (the day of Yahweh) of war comes. Yes, there was an initial pouring out of His Spirit in the apostles’ day (Acts 2), but that was the beginning of His plan, there is yet more coming! (Request your free mini-study, Tongues: Past, Present, and Future.)
   One-fourth of mankind is going to be destroyed before the Kingdom is established:
   And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell (Hades) followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth, Revelation 6:8.
   It is Yahweh Who will bring this to pass.

Presumptuous Sins
   We spoke earlier on presumptuous sin, and cited Psalm 19:13:
   Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous (root H2102) sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression, Psalm 19:13.
   The word here (presumptuous) is zed (zade’) from H2086 meaning “proud,” or “insolent.” The root word for H2086 is H2102, meaning “arrogant” or “rebellious.”
   This is one of the reasons Yahshua had to tell us the following:
   “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:’ But I say unto you, ‘That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment’”, Matthew 5:21-22a
   Here, we have the proper spiritual intent of that Commandment, and it’s with this knowledge that we can help overcome our presumptuous thinking and actions. In other words, knowledge helps stop presumption before it starts.
King David grasped this when he wrote Psalm 19:13. He saw that if he could keep from being presumptuous, he could stop committing any great sin, as it starts with presumption. In this regard, the Scriptures help us.

Conclusion
   We read that Yahweh Himself says that He doesn’t like death, For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Master Yahweh: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye, Ezekiel 18:32. This would have stopped Yahweh from going to war with other nations, if they would only have repented of their sinning!
   Yahweh is loving, yet “Yahweh is a man of war” (Exod. 15:3).
   Things might have been different if Adam and Eve hadn’t sinned (i.e., broken Yahweh’s law, 1 John 3:4)!
   And Yahweh Elohim commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die,” Genesis 2:16-17. They died within a span of nearly a thousand years.
   Yahweh will not tolerate sin. He has, and He will, even yet, purge the nations of it. He had His people involved in the process of doing this in ancient times. But in the last days, He and His Son Yahshua will fully purge sin (Rev 6:16-17). Yahweh’s people will witness in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) to all these nations before that great and terrible day – the day of Yahweh!
   It is not always easy to understand why certain things have happened or why Yahweh would have His people involved, but involved they have been. It was Judicial Judgment from on High that was executed upon the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, and others. It will be Judicial Judgment once again at the end of the age.