The Obligation to protect human life
The prohibition of murder and injury
It seems and is it a logical prohibition not to kill another human being. Mankind was created in G-d’s Image and, therefore, possesses a dimension of Holiness (Genesis 1:27). When a man is murdered, it diminishes the Image of G-d in this world. The ultimate image of G-d is wanting to give goodness. All the potential good deeds one could have given to the world are lost through murder. If this person still had descendants, they would also have been “murdered,” their good deeds also do not come into the world.
Murder goes directly against the commandment that G-d gave to people “to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28).
Life is the most important gift that G-d gave to man on loan. He expects us to guard and preserve it. Life belongs to Him and therefore the prohibition includes:
euthanasia, abortion and suicide. It does not include killing someone to protect your own life. It contains rules about when it is permissible to give one’s life for the observance of the Noahide Laws.
Protect life, it is the greatest gift a person has received.
By Angelique Sijbolts
Sources: The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner
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