Understanding the importance of context is key in biblical study. Exodus 20:13 unequivocally states, “You shall not murder.” Yet, just two chapters later, in Exodus 22:2, we read, “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed.” This shows that context matters. In the case of self-defense, taking a life can be justified.
Similarly, alcohol is both celebrated and cautioned against in the Bible, illustrating the critical importance of personal choice.
