Samson crushed himself and his enemies to death beneath…
“Samson crushed himself and his enemies to death beneath the ruins of a building. He can only be excused on the grounds that the Spirit of the Lord, who wrought miracles through him, had bidden him to do so. But, apart from such men excepted by the command of a just law in general or of God, the very Source of justice, in a special case, any one who kills a human being, himself or another, is guilty of murder.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Violence, even when commanded by divine authority, remains morally culpable; justification is limited to lawful authority.
In simple terms: Killing is generally murder, even if ordered by God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize moral limits on violence.
Themes
justice
morality
divine authority
law
crime
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- war
- capital punishment
- self‑defense
- state authority
- religious conflict
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
legal philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any authority ever justified to order killing?
- How do we reconcile divine command with human justice?
A Different Perspective
Even divine commands may conflict with universal moral law.