Topical Bible: Being Betrayed

Bible > Topical > Being Betrayed

◄ Being Betrayed ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Overview:
Being betrayed refers to the act of being deceived or delivered into the hands of an enemy by someone who is trusted. In the biblical context, betrayal is often associated with treachery and disloyalty, and it is a theme that appears throughout Scripture, highlighting the frailty of human relationships and the pain of broken trust.

Biblical Instances of Betrayal:

1. Joseph and His Brothers:
One of the earliest and most poignant examples of betrayal in the Bible is the account of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy. Genesis 37:28 states, "So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." Despite this betrayal, God used the situation for good, ultimately elevating Joseph to a position of power in Egypt.

2. Samson and Delilah:
Samson, a judge of Israel, was betrayed by Delilah, who was bribed by the Philistines to discover the secret of his strength. Judges 16:18-19 recounts, "When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, 'Come back once more; he has told me everything.' So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him."

3. David and Ahithophel:
King David experienced betrayal from Ahithophel, his trusted advisor, who sided with Absalom during the rebellion. Psalm 41:9 reflects David's anguish: "Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

4. Jesus and Judas Iscariot:
The most significant betrayal in the New Testament is that of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-16 records, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

Theological Implications:

· Human Sinfulness:
Betrayal in the Bible underscores the sinful nature of humanity and the propensity to prioritize personal gain over loyalty and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the brokenness that sin brings into human relationships.

· Divine Sovereignty:
Despite the pain and injustice of betrayal, Scripture reveals God's sovereignty in using such events to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's betrayal led to the preservation of Israel during famine, and Judas's betrayal was instrumental in the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the Messiah's suffering and crucifixion.

· Christ's Compassion:
Jesus' response to betrayal exemplifies divine compassion and forgiveness. Even as He faced betrayal, Jesus continued to demonstrate love and grace, offering Judas the opportunity for repentance and extending forgiveness to those who crucified Him.

Practical Lessons:

· Trust in God:
Believers are encouraged to place their ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and just, rather than in fallible human beings. Proverbs 3:5 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

· Forgiveness:
Christians are called to forgive those who betray them, following the example of Christ. Colossians 3:13 instructs, "Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

· Wisdom in Relationships:
The Bible encourages discernment and wisdom in forming relationships, recognizing that not all who appear trustworthy have pure intentions. Jesus Himself exercised discernment, as noted in John 2:24-25 : "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man."

Topical Bible Verses

Mark 14:21
The Son of man indeed goes, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of the Method in which the Four Evangelists are Shown to be at one ...
... them, in expressing which He had intimated, although still obscurely, and by the
use of a testimony of Scripture, the fact that He was being betrayed by the ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter i of the method in.htm

But Since the Fourth Passover of the Persecution Has Arrived...
... medical care, and anekeston is the same as immedicabile), and other dreadful
afflictions, and afterwards yielding, sacrificed to the gods, being betrayed as ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon i but since the.htm

Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ...
... Nor had they any courage to revenge themselves; for there was added to the
consternation they were in from the enemy, their being betrayed by their own friends ...
/.../chapter 7 vespasian when he.htm

Polycarp is Betrayed by a Servant.
... [This all happened] that he might fulfil his special lot, being made a partaker
of Christ, and that they who betrayed him might undergo the punishment of Judas ...
/.../the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/chapter vi polycarp is betrayed by.htm

Jesus Christ in his Incarnation and Work a More Imitable Example ...
... Moreover, while He is being betrayed, while He is being led up "as a sheep for a
victim," (for "so He no more opens His mouth than a lamb under the power of ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter iii jesus christ in his.htm

For those who First, when the Persecution Waxed Warm...
... name of Christ they have sustained, since they have themselves also repented, and
have bewailed that which was done by them through their being betrayed by the ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xi for those who.htm

Matt. xxvi. 51-54.
... Therefore He saith unto them, "Let him buy a sword," not that they should arm
themselves, far from it; but by this, indicating His being betrayed. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiv matt xxvi 51-54.htm

Engagement Between Valens and Procopius Near Nacolia in Phrygia ...
... Valens and Procopius near Nacolia in Phrygia; after which the Usurper is betrayed
by his Chief ... [576] The traitors he caused to be executed by being sawn asunder ...
/.../chapter v engagement between valens and.htm

Introduction
... Lavater on the text will have the word taken from a besieged garrison, beset by
many enemies without, and in danger of being betrayed by treacherous citizens ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/introduction.htm

On Feast Days and Fast Days.
... But He commanded us to fast on the fourth and sixth days of the week; the former
on account of His being betrayed, and the latter on account of His passion. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on feast days and.htm