Bible Discussion Thread

Re: Ecclesiastes 3:3

Why would there be a time time to kill if the bible teaches love one another above all things. What does this verse actually mean or what did it truly mean when it was written? Why would this be in the bible?

One of the ten commandments states thou shalt not murder.

While reading the bible and trying to figure out Ecc. 3:3, I find it disturbing.

Thank you for addressing this email.

Dawn

Dawn, you are correct that the Bible teaches that murder is sin, as is Anger akin to murder ( Mt 5:21,22). But when we come to Eccl 3:3 we see an apparent conflict in God's command against it elsewhere. We see the writer (we believe it's Solomon), of Ecclesiastes ponder over some aspects of life: its aimless cycles, paradoxes, futility, and yet, through all these, we need to recognize that life is a gift from God to us & to be enjoyed within the scope of obedience to Him & that true justice will be served by Him at the end. But he says that within the full scope of life, with its happy times & sad times, there is a time when death will occur (unnaturally). Now my understanding of verse 3, is that the "time to kill" must refer to those times of war when sadly, the soldier has to kill & be killed, also, it can refer to the outcome of justice, where the Judge pronounces the death sentence upon one convicted of wilful murder (e.g. Gen 9:6, as well as many instances where God has called upon the leaders of the Israelites to execute those who broke certain of His Laws). Now some today may find this very offensive, but that was God's requirement to maintain a Holy Standard among His people, as it is still His requirement for judges today to maintain such punishment for capital crimes. You may not agree with this, but this is what is required to maintain true justice & give real protection to the people.

Makes sense.

thx