Violence, including murder, was a major factor in bringing about God’s judgment of the flood (4:8; 6:11, 13). At this new beginning for human beings, God affirmed the value of human life (that human life is sacred) and established justice for those who take a human life (see also Psalm 9:12; “Retribution” Theme Note).
The function of law is to restrain human wickedness and preserve moral order. This law was further developed in the law of Moses (Exodus 21:12–14; Leviticus 24:17–22; Numbers 35:16–34; Deuteronomy 17:6–7; 19:15).