In this thirteenth installment of The Commandments series, John Ritenbaugh, expounding upon the sixth commandment, focuses upon the curious aberration of 'holy wars,' killing in the name of religion, or the motivation for waging 'just' wars. God has never given mankind the prerogative to determine whether war is just or not. Because God has supreme sovereignty and authority over all government, we are subject to (the sanctions and penalties of) all governmental authority, but are obligated to obey the highest authority- namely God Almighty. God promised the children of Israel that if they would obey Him, He would fight their battles for them- driving their enemies out. Ancient Israel's choice to go to war was not sanctioned by God. Likewise, God has promised to protect us upon the condition of our unconditional obedience to our covenant with Him. We have the responsibility to trust God unconditionally.

Belshazzar Controlling our appetites Controlling our tongues Crime Daniel Destroying forces of evil Dis-satisfaction Eisenhower, Dwight God's intervention God's sovereignty Grumbling Holy War Jihad Killing in name of religion Kamikaze Love of country Love of self Mene mene tekel upharsin Murmuring Nebuchadnezzar Propaganda Sin Terrorism War Zion