Topical Encyclopedia
Treason, in a biblical context, refers to acts of betrayal or disloyalty against a sovereign or governing authority. The concept of treason is deeply intertwined with themes of loyalty, covenant, and authority as presented in the Scriptures. Throughout the Bible, instances of treason are depicted as serious offenses, often resulting in severe consequences.
Old Testament InstancesOne of the most notable examples of treason in the Old Testament is the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. Absalom's conspiracy to usurp the throne is detailed in
2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (
2 Samuel 15:6) and declared himself king in Hebron, leading to a civil war. This act of treason not only threatened the stability of David's reign but also disrupted the unity of Israel.
Another significant instance is the conspiracy of Sheba, a Benjamite, who led a revolt against David after Absalom's rebellion was quelled. Sheba's declaration, "We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son" (
2 Samuel 20:1), incited division among the tribes of Israel. His rebellion was swiftly dealt with, demonstrating the seriousness with which treason was regarded.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is often viewed as an act of treason. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (
Matthew 26:14-16). This act of betrayal led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering. Judas' treason is seen as a profound act of disloyalty, not only against Jesus as a leader but also against the divine plan of salvation.
Theological ImplicationsTreason in the biblical narrative often serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of covenant faithfulness and divine justice. The acts of treason committed by individuals like Absalom and Judas highlight the human propensity for rebellion against God-ordained authority. These narratives underscore the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's established order.
The Bible also presents a broader spiritual dimension to treason, where rebellion against God Himself is considered the ultimate form of treason. This is evident in the fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God (
Isaiah 14:12-15), and in the rebellion of humanity against God's commandments, which is addressed throughout Scripture.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsFrom a moral and ethical standpoint, treason is condemned in the Bible as a violation of trust and covenant. The consequences of treason, as depicted in the biblical accounts, serve as a warning against the dangers of disloyalty and rebellion. The narratives encourage believers to remain faithful to God and to the authorities He has established, reflecting the biblical principle that "there is no authority except that which is from God" (
Romans 13:1).
In summary, treason in the Bible is portrayed as a grave sin with far-reaching consequences, both in the temporal and spiritual realms. The biblical accounts of treason serve as cautionary tales, urging believers to uphold loyalty and faithfulness in their relationships with God and others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The offense of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance, or of betraying the state into the hands of a foreign power; disloyalty; treachery.
2. (n.) Loosely, the betrayal of any trust or confidence; treachery; perfidy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TREASONtre'-z'-n: The translation of qesher, in English Versions of the Bible1 Kings 16:202 Kings 11:14 parallel2 Chronicles 23:13. Qesher (from qashar, "to bind") means "a conspiracy" (2 Samuel 15:122 Kings 12:20, etc.), and the translation "treason" is due to the King James Versions' love of variety.
Strong's Hebrew
7195. qesher -- conspiracy... Word Origin from qashar Definition conspiracy NASB Word Usage conspiracy
(10),
treason (4). confederacy, conspiracy,
treason. From
...7194. qashar -- to bind, league together, conspire
... bind up, make a conspiracy join together, knit, stronger, worktreason. A
primitive root: to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact...
1288. barak -- to kneel, bless
... to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also
(by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, astreason) -- X abundantly, X...
Library
Enough Has Been Said in These Remarks to Confute the Charge of...
... Chapter XXVII. Enough has been said in these remarks to confute the charge
oftreason against your? Enough has been said in these...
Marcus of Mactaris Said: "It is not to be Wondered at if Heretics....
... I would urge, therefore, that we plead our cause in common against the charge of
treason which they cannot disavow, and therein our special case will be argued...
Judas and his Band.
... CHAPTER II. Judas and his band. Judas had not expected that histreason
would have produced such fatal results. He had been anxious...
Degrees of Sin
... Some sins have a blacker aspect than others; to clip the king's coin istreason;
but to strike his person is a higher degree oftreason....
Sermons on the Card.
... Then he, being desirous to know how these enemies of his came thither, maketh
profound search and inquiry by whom thistreason was conspired....
Jehoiada and Joash
... and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew
with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried,Treason,Treason.15....
The Shameful Sufferer
... And could he committreason?... Did he not pay tribute, and sent to the fish, when his
poverty had not wherewith to pay the tax. Could he committreason?...
The Revolt of Babylon.
... Their pride, their wickedness, their wanton cruelty toward the Jews, had brought
upon them the condemnation of God, while their politicaltreason and rebellion...
The Lord Coming to his Temple
... and to what are they like? (Luke 7:31) . I represent to myself a number of persons
of various characters, involved in one common charge of hightreason....
Let it be Made Clear, Then, First of All...
... first of all, if those to whom sacrifice is offered are really able to protect either
emperor or anybody else, and so adjudge us guilty oftreason, if angels...
Thesaurus
Treason (6 Occurrences)...TREASON. tre'-z'-n: The translation of qesher, in English Versions of the Bible
1 Kings 16:20 2 Kings 11:14 parallel 2 Chronicles 23:13.
...Treason (6 Occurrences).
...Trumpeters (4 Occurrences)
... and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew
with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried,Treason,Treason....
Platform (9 Occurrences)
... Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried,Treason!treason! (See JPS).... Then Athaliah
rent her clothes, and said,Treason!treason! (See JPS)....
Athali'ah (17 Occurrences)
... Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried: 'Treason,treason.' (See RSV).... Then Athaliah
rent her clothes, and said: 'Treason,treason.' (See RSV)....
Athaliah (17 Occurrences)
... brow. Rending her robe and shouting, "Treason!Treason!" she fled. Some... Then
Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, "Treason!Treason!" (WEB...
Blew (37 Occurrences)
... Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, "Treason!Treason!" (WEB KJV JPS ASV
DBY WBS NAS).... Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and said,Treason!treason!...
Tore (59 Occurrences)
... Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, "Treason!Treason!" (WEB NAS NIV).... Then
Athaliah tore her clothes, and said,Treason!treason! (WEB NAS NIV)....
Purity (16 Occurrences)
... They wanted above all things that Israel should be true to Yahweh and to Him alone.
To the prophets, worship of other gods wastreason to Yahweh....
Rejoiced (83 Occurrences)
... Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, "Treason!Treason!" (WEB KJV JPS ASV
DBY WBS NAS).... Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and said,Treason!treason!...
Musical (14 Occurrences)
... led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said: 'Treason,
treason.' (See NAS RSV NIV). 2 Chronicles 29:26 The...
Resources
What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgTreason: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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