Question:  Greg,

            My friend who doesn’t believe in God asked me why God made the law “Do not kill” and then the angel of death killed all the firstborn of Egypt.  And, God sent Israel to kill other nations.

            If you could tell me what you think and how you would answer that I would appreciate it.

            Alice

Answer:  Dear Alice,

            The commandment about not killing (actually murder, because Israel was permitted to kill animals and kill in war) is the part of the old covenant that Israel agreed to.  God does not commit himself to not taking human life—after all, he is Creator.  Deuteronomy 5:17 is the passage you and your friend are discussing.  But in the same book, chapter 32:39, God says that he puts to death and he brings to life, he wounds and he heals.  He is God and we are not.  We should realize that God does not await our evaluation of what he can or cannot do.  He is our loving Father, but he does not march to our drum.  Thank God for that!

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht