Topical Encyclopedia The term "assassinate" refers to the deliberate and premeditated killing of a prominent or important individual, often for political or ideological reasons. While the Bible does not use the term "assassinate" explicitly, it does recount several instances of such acts, particularly in the context of political intrigue and power struggles in ancient Israel and surrounding nations.Biblical Instances of Assassination: 1. Ehud and Eglon: One of the earliest examples of assassination in the Bible is the account of Ehud, a judge of Israel, who assassinated Eglon, the king of Moab. Ehud, a left-handed man, crafted a double-edged sword and concealed it under his clothing. He gained a private audience with King Eglon under the pretense of delivering a message from God. Once alone, Ehud drew his sword and killed Eglon, leading to the liberation of Israel from Moabite oppression (Judges 3:15-30). 2. Joab and Abner: Joab, the commander of King David's army, assassinated Abner, the commander of Saul's army, in an act of revenge for the death of his brother Asahel. Joab deceitfully called Abner aside at the gate of Hebron and struck him in the stomach, killing him (2 Samuel 3:27). This act of treachery was condemned by David, who distanced himself from the murder (2 Samuel 3:28-29). 3. Ish-bosheth's Assassination: Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, was assassinated by two of his own captains, Baanah and Rechab. They entered his house during the heat of the day while he was resting and struck him dead. They then beheaded him and brought his head to David, expecting a reward. However, David condemned their actions and ordered their execution, demonstrating his disapproval of treachery and murder (2 Samuel 4:5-12). 4. Amon and Absalom: Absalom, the son of David, orchestrated the assassination of his half-brother Amnon as revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar. Absalom invited all the king's sons to a feast and commanded his servants to kill Amnon when he was drunk (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act of vengeance led to further turmoil and division within David's family. 5. Jehu's Purge: Jehu, anointed by the prophet Elisha to be king over Israel, carried out a series of assassinations to eliminate the house of Ahab and establish his rule. He killed Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, as well as Jezebel, the queen mother. Jehu's actions were seen as fulfilling God's judgment against the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:1-37). Moral and Theological Considerations: The Bible presents these acts of assassination within the broader narrative of God's sovereignty and justice. While some assassinations, like that of Eglon by Ehud, are depicted as divinely sanctioned acts of deliverance, others, such as the murder of Abner and Ish-bosheth, are portrayed as treacherous and unjust. The biblical text often highlights the consequences of such actions, both for the perpetrators and the broader community. The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) underscores the sanctity of human life and God's prohibition against unlawful killing. Assassination, as a form of murder, is generally condemned in Scripture, reflecting the moral and ethical standards that God expects His people to uphold. The narratives of assassination in the Bible serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the destructive nature of sin and the importance of justice and righteousness in leadership and governance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To kill by surprise or secret assault; to murder by treacherous violence.2. (v. t.) To assail with murderous intent; hence, by extended meaning, to maltreat exceedingly. 3. (n.) An assassination, murder, or murderous assault. Library Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. Knox and Queen Mary (Continued): 1563-1564 To the Rev. A. Brandram Justus Jonas The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572 Herodotus and Xenophon. In Rome Croesus. Other Self-Asserting Augustae --Verina, Ariadne, Sophia, Martina ... Jesus in the Temple. Thesaurus Assassinate (3 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) An assassination, murder, or murderous assault. 4. (n.) An assassin. Multi-Version Concordance Assassinate (3 Occurrences). ... /a/assassinate.htm - 7k Assassinated (10 Occurrences) Josephus Gedaliah (31 Occurrences) Impression (2 Occurrences) Intend (30 Occurrences) Flavius Theodotus Tribune (18 Occurrences) Representations (5 Occurrences) Resources Is there such a thing as a necessary evil? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dietrich Bonhoeffer? | GotQuestions.org Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Assassinate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Assassinate (3 Occurrences)Acts 23:15 Esther 2:21 Esther 6:2 Subtopics Related Terms |