the correct understanding of that commandment is thou shalt not murder. the other books of moses set out a specific set of rules to be followed in the event of manslaughter, and exodus itself says if a man smites a person he catches breaking into their home and they die they're not guilty of anything. exodus 22 (esv, normally i use kjv but 22:2 says "breaking up" which doesn't translate well but it means breaking in, a home invasion in other words) > 22 [a] if a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 [b] if a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. he[c] shall surely pay. if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 if the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. see that? if you kill a home invader you've not committed a crime, but if the home invader lives they are guilty and must pay restitution and if they're broke the home owner can sell them into slavery.
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