Artifices, in the context of the Bible, refer to the clever or cunning devices and strategies employed by individuals, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate others. The term can encompass a range of actions from simple trickery to more elaborate schemes. The Bible provides numerous examples of artifices, illustrating both the moral and spiritual implications of such behavior.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest examples of artifice in the Bible 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 his brother Esau. This act of deception is recorded in Genesis 27:35, where Isaac tells Esau, "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing."

Another notable instance is the account of Laban and Jacob. Laban uses cunning to manipulate Jacob into working for him for many years, as seen in Genesis 29:25, where Jacob confronts Laban, saying, "Why have you deceived me?" Laban's artifice in substituting Leah for Rachel on Jacob's wedding night is a classic example of deceit for personal gain.

The account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 also highlights the use of artifice. The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, resort to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguise themselves as travelers from a distant land, carrying old sacks and worn-out clothes, to convince Joshua and the Israelites of their false narrative. Joshua 9:4-5 describes their actions: "They acted with cunning and set out as envoys, carrying old sacks on their donkeys, and old wineskins, cracked and mended."

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the artifices of the Pharisees and scribes, who often used their positions to manipulate and deceive the people. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of deceit and cunning in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, he writes, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." Paul emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness in contrast to the artifices that some might employ.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible consistently portrays artifices as contrary to the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and righteousness. Deceptive practices are often associated with sin and are condemned throughout Scripture. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight."

Believers are called to live lives of honesty and integrity, avoiding the use of deceitful tactics. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts Christians, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

In summary, while the Bible provides numerous examples of artifices, it consistently calls for a life of truthfulness and integrity, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Artifices of the Demons.
... Chapter XXVII."Artifices of the Demons. What then? In the first place,
the irrational and fantastic movements of the soul about ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xxvii artifices of the demons.htm

Moreover, if any one Would Wish to Become Acquainted with the ...
... Chapter XXXI. Moreover, if any one would wish to become acquainted with
the artifices of those sorcerers? Moreover, if any one ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxi moreover if any.htm

Concerning the Hydromancy through which Numa was Befooled by ...
... But by what artifices these things are done, let themselves consider; for I am
unwilling to say that these artifices were wont to be prohibited by the laws ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 35 concerning the hydromancy through.htm

Psalm LXIV.
... For ye know by what artifices they did this, how with money they bribed a disciple
that clave to Him, in order that He might be betrayed to them, [2506] how ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxiv.htm

1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... the players, they wear gloves so closely fitted, that they seem to grow upon the
hands: and we might speak of their walk, and other artifices more alluring ...
/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm

A Plea for the Christians
... Chapter XXVI.--The Demons Allure Men to the Worship of Images. Chapter
XXVII.--Artifices of the Demons. Chapter XXVIII.--The Heathen Gods Were Simply Men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athenagoras/a plea for the christians/

The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated, and the New ...
... It may fortify you against the artifices, by which the unwary are often deceived
and ensnared, and may possibly enable you to put to silence their foolishness ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity briefly.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... refused to do homage to the Pharaoh, and a deadly struggle took place under the
ramparts, in which each side availed themselves of all the artifices which the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

A Treatise on Faith and the Creed.
... watchfulness, to provide against the possibility of the said faith sustaining any
injury in us, on any side, through the fraudulent artifices [or, cunning fraud ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /a treatise on faith and 2.htm

Athenagoras.
... analogy of, 157. De Maistre, cited, 131. Demons, 143. tempt to idolatry, 143. artifices
of, 143. Digestion and nutrition consistent with resurrection, 151. ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/athenagoras.htm

Artifices (2 Occurrences)
...Artifices (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:11 Put on the panoply of God, that ye
may be able to stand against the artifices of the devil: (DBY). ...
/a/artifices.htm - 7k

Artificers (15 Occurrences)

/a/artificers.htm - 11k

Trusting (45 Occurrences)
... Thou hidest them in the secret place of Thy presence, From artifices of man, Thou
concealest them in a tabernacle, From the strife of tongues. (YLT). ...
/t/trusting.htm - 19k

Entrap (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To catch in a trap; to ensnare; hence, to catch,
as in a trap, by artifices; to involve in difficulties or distresses; to catch ...
/e/entrap.htm - 8k

Panoply (3 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Ephesians 6:11 Put on the panoply of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the artifices of the devil: (DBY). Ephesians ...
/p/panoply.htm - 7k

Practice (71 Occurrences)
... 17. (vi) To learn by practice; to form a habit. 18. (vi) To try artifices or stratagems.
19. (vi) To apply theoretical science or knowledge, esp. ...
/p/practice.htm - 28k

Artificial (1 Occurrence)

/a/artificial.htm - 7k

Avail (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To turn to the advantage of; to be of service to; to profit; to benefit;
to help; as, artifices will not avail the sinner in the day of judgment. ...
/a/avail.htm - 11k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... but in Acts 27:32 the same Greek word is rendered "ropes." Figurative: (1) of
affliction (Job 36:8); (2) of God's laws (Psalm 2:3); (3) of the artifices of the ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

Songs (100 Occurrences)
... In Songs 8:4 it seems to be implied that the women of the capital are guilty of
employing artifices to awaken love: `I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem ...
/s/songs.htm - 62k

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