What other Scriptures address betrayal by family or close friends? Jeremiah 12:6 — The Pain of Family Betrayal “Even your brothers—your own father’s household—even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.” Old-Testament Snapshots of Betrayal • Genesis 4:8 — Cain rises against Abel, his brother, and kills him. • Genesis 27:35–36 — Esau laments, “He has deceived me these two times,” after Jacob steals both birthright and blessing. • Genesis 37:18–20, 23–24 — Joseph’s brothers conspire, strip him of his robe, and throw him into a pit. • Judges 16:18–20 — Delilah betrays Samson for silver, handing him to the Philistines. • 2 Samuel 15:6, 12 — Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” and plotted against his father David. Heart-Cries in the Psalms • Psalm 41:9 — “Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” • Psalm 55:12-14 — “It is not an enemy who insults me… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.” Prophetic Warnings • Jeremiah 9:4 — “Let each beware of his neighbor; do not trust any brother.” • Micah 7:5-6 — “Put no trust in a neighbor… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” Christ Foretells Betrayal Among Loved Ones • Matthew 10:21 — “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child.” • Luke 21:16 — “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends.” The Ultimate Example: Judas and Jesus • John 13:18 — “‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’” • John 13:21 — “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” New-Testament Echoes for the Last Days • 2 Timothy 3:3-4 — People will be “unloving, unforgiving… treacherous.” Encouragement in the Midst of Betrayal • Romans 12:17-19 — “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” • 1 Peter 4:19 — “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” |
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