Topical Encyclopedia
Intrigues in the Bible often refer to secretive or deceitful schemes, typically involving manipulation or cunning plans to achieve a particular end. These actions are generally portrayed negatively, as they often involve betrayal, deceit, and a departure from God's righteous path. The Bible provides numerous examples of intrigues, illustrating the moral and spiritual pitfalls associated with such behavior.
Old Testament Examples1.
Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of intrigue is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, his elder brother (Genesis 27). This act of intrigue leads to significant family strife and sets the stage for future conflicts.
2.
Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph's brothers conspire against him out of jealousy, selling him into slavery and deceiving their father Jacob into believing that Joseph is dead (
Genesis 37:18-36). This act of intrigue, while intended for harm, ultimately fulfills God's plan for Joseph to rise to power in Egypt and save his family during a famine.
3.
Absalom's Rebellion: Absalom, King David's son, engages in a calculated campaign to win the hearts of the people of Israel and usurp his father's throne (2 Samuel 15). His intrigue involves deceit and manipulation, leading to a civil war and ultimately his own demise.
4.
Haman's Plot: In the Book of Esther, Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, plots to annihilate the Jewish people. His intrigue is driven by personal vendetta against Mordecai, a Jew who refuses to bow to him (
Esther 3:1-6). However, Haman's plans are thwarted by Esther and Mordecai, demonstrating God's providence and protection over His people.
New Testament Examples1.
Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous act of intrigue in the New Testament is Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. Motivated by greed, Judas conspires with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (
Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery fulfills prophecy and leads to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
2.
The Plot Against Paul: In
Acts 23, more than forty Jews conspire to kill the Apostle Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until they have succeeded. Their plot is uncovered, and Paul is safely transferred to Caesarea under Roman protection, illustrating God's sovereignty in safeguarding His servants.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible consistently portrays intrigues as actions that stem from sinful desires such as jealousy, greed, and ambition. These schemes often lead to destructive consequences, both for the perpetrators and those affected by their actions. Scripture warns against deceit and manipulation, urging believers to pursue honesty, integrity, and trust in God's plans.
Proverbs 12:20 states, "Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy." This verse highlights the contrast between the turmoil caused by intrigue and the peace that comes from righteous living. Believers are called to reject deceitful practices and to live in a manner that honors God, trusting in His justice and timing.
Library
Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of...
... eusebius pamphilus. Book I. Chapter LI."Intrigues of Licinius against
the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods. And at first...
Knox'sIntrigues, and his Account of Them, 1559
... CHAPTER XI: KNOX'SINTRIGUES, AND HIS ACCOUNT OF THEM, 1559. The Reformers,
and Knox as their secretary and historian, had now reached...
The Goths
... First, there was the old Conservative Roman party, at the head of which stood his
friend Aurelian, who, in spite of the desperateintrigues of his wicked...
To the End and After
... in Jerusalem of messengers from the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon,
all of them states within the scope of Egyptianintrigues against Babylon.(476...
Affairs in the West
... Stilico fell a victim to the vile Courtintrigues of palace-cliques, and to the
fact that he was the object of fierce jealousy as an alien....
Introduction to De Synodis.
... The cause of this failure is to be found in theintrigues of the Homoeans,
Valens in the West, Eudoxius and Acacius in the East....
Christ's Discourses in Per??a - Close of the Per??an Ministry
... We have previously [4729] shown reason for supposing secretintrigues between the
Pharisaic party and Herod, and attributing the final imprisonment of the...
Introduction to Apologia Contra Arianos.
... at the request of a Roman Council) remonstrating with their discourteous reply to
a former letter, reciting the history of theintrigues against Athanasius...
Introduction to Historia Arianorum.
... Sec. 9. Renewedintrigues against Athanasius. Sec. 10. Gregory intruded by Constantius
as bishop.... Sec. 28. Renewedintrigues of the Arianising party. Sec. Sec....
Another Archbishop
... them with the most abject abasement. Money was spent with profusion in
the furtherance of theirintrigues. From dawn to dusk the...
Thesaurus
Intrigues (4 Occurrences)...Intrigues (4 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion,
intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY).
...Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
Introduce (3 Occurrences)
Herod (45 Occurrences)
... reverence by the people, but robbed it of its treasures (Ant., XVI, vii, 1). The
last days of Herod were embittered by endless courtintrigues and conspiracies...
Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... During the remainder of his reign, Xerxes seems to have spent a listless existence,
absorbed inintrigues of the harem, and leaving the government to be...
Narcissus (2 Occurrences)
... xiv.329), whose influence with Claudius was unbounded, and who bore a chief part
in theintrigues of this reign, alone satisfies this condition." Shortly after...
Factions (5 Occurrences)
... NIV). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion,intrigues,
dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY ASV NAS NIV). 1...
Envyings (3 Occurrences)
... Envyings (3 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion,intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY)....
Enmity (23 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of
passion,intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY RSV)....
Dissension (18 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion,intrigues,
dissensions, factions, envyings; (Root in WEY YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
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