Many Christians today grapple with this question: Why should we pray for the death of our enemies, especially when Christ clearly commands us to love them?

I have personally encountered several professing believers who argue passionately that “enemies” should not be allowed to live long enough to cause pain to the children of God. In fact, in many churches, entire services are sometimes devoted—not to interceding for the salvation of the lost—but to praying for the death of supposed enemies.

A common justification for such prayers is drawn from Exodus 22:18:

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” KJV

But is this verse correctly understood and applied in contemporary Christian practice? This article examines the historical, cultural, and theological context of Exodus 22:18 and explains why misusing it leads to harmful and unbiblical interpretations.

1. Understanding Exodus 22:18 in Context

Historical and Cultural Background

Exodus 22:18 was written within the framework of ancient Israel’s theocratic society, where civil and religious life were inseparably connected. Israel’s laws were not merely social guidelines; they were expressions of divine covenant meant to preserve holiness and communal order.

In that context, practices like sorcery and witchcraft were viewed as serious threats to Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Those who engaged in such acts were seen as rebelling against God’s authority and endangering the nation’s moral and spiritual fabric.

Thus, the directive “Do not allow a sorceress to live” was a judicial law, aimed at protecting Israel from idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness—not a general rule for all times and peoples.

Original Meaning of the Verse

The phrase was not a command for individuals to take personal vengeance, nor was it a license for mob justice. It was a legal instruction within the Mosaic Law, applied through established judicial processes in Israel.

It targeted deliberate practitioners of occultism who openly defied God and threatened the nation’s spiritual integrity. In essence, Exodus 22:18 was part of Israel’s civil code, not a spiritual formula for Christians to pray against perceived enemies.

2. Misinterpretations of Exodus 22:18 in Modern Contexts

Across Africa, Exodus 22:18 has often been misinterpreted and misapplied, fueling fear, hatred, and sometimes violence. Many believers, influenced by traditional worldviews that attribute misfortunes to supernatural causes, see “witches” or “enemies” behind every setback—be it illness, poverty, or personal failure.

Sadly, this mindset has found its way into many pulpits. Worshippers are taught to wage prayer battles against supposed human enemies rather than trusting God for protection or seeking reconciliation.

However, such reasoning is deeply flawed. Blaming one’s misfortune on unseen enemies often reflects a lack of faith in God’s sovereignty. It undermines confidence in His power to protect His children. In many cases, what people interpret as “enemy attacks” are simply the natural trials of life—opportunities for spiritual growth and dependence on God—or even consequences of personal decisions we must take responsibility for.

3. Why the Misuse of Exodus 22:18 Is Problematic

1. Failure to Consider Context

Misinterpretation arises when we isolate verses from their historical and cultural background. Exodus 22:18 reflects ancient Israel’s judicial law, not a universal or eternal directive for all believers.

2. Misapplication of the Mosaic Law

The Old Testament laws were part of the covenant between God and Israel. Under the New Covenant established through Christ, believers are no longer bound by these judicial decrees. Instead, we are governed by the law of grace and love (Romans 6:14).

3. Contradiction of Core Christian Teachings

Jesus clearly taught:

“Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 (NLT)

To use Exodus 22:18 to justify hatred or death prayers contradicts the very essence of the Gospel, which calls for forgiveness and compassion.

4. Promotion of Fear and Violence

When misapplied, this verse fosters a culture of fear, suspicion, and division within the church. It encourages believers to view others as threats rather than as people made in God’s image and capable of redemption.

5. Devaluation of Human Life

Praying for the death of others disregards the sanctity of life—a central principle of Christian ethics. God’s desire is for all to come to repentance, not perish (2 Peter 3:9).

4. Rethinking the Use of Exodus 22:18

To interpret Scripture faithfully, Christians must read every verse in light of its broader biblical narrative and Christ’s redemptive work. Exodus 22:18 was written for a particular people, under a particular covenant, for a specific historical context.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and ushered in a new way of life—one characterized by love, mercy, and reconciliation. Applying Old Testament legal codes without understanding their fulfillment in Christ distorts God’s character and undermines the message of grace.

The believer’s battle today is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Thus, the weapons of our warfare are prayer, love, truth, and righteousness—not vengeance or hatred.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflect Christ’s Heart

The misuse of Exodus 22:18 to justify praying for the death of perceived enemies is both theologically unsound and spiritually destructive. Faithful interpretation requires that we consider the context, covenant, and Christ-centered fulfillment of every passage.

Rather than using Scripture to promote fear and hostility, Christians must embody the spirit of the Gospel—a message of love, forgiveness, and peace.

When we truly understand God’s heart, we see that His desire is not the destruction of sinners but their redemption. As followers of Christ, our prayers should not be for the death of our enemies, but for their salvation and transformation—so that they too may experience the grace that has saved us.