Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:Betrayal is the act of being disloyal or treacherous to a person, cause, or principle. In the biblical context, betrayal often involves a breach of trust or faith, leading to significant consequences for both the betrayer and the betrayed. It is a theme that runs deeply through the Scriptures, illustrating the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine redemption. Old Testament Examples: 1. Joseph and His Brothers: One of the earliest and most poignant examples of betrayal in the Bible is the account of Joseph and his brothers. Motivated by jealousy, Joseph's brothers conspired against him, ultimately selling him into slavery. 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." This act of betrayal set the stage for God's providential plan to save many lives during a future famine. 2. David and Ahithophel: King David experienced betrayal from Ahithophel, his trusted advisor. During Absalom's rebellion, Ahithophel sided with Absalom against David. In 2 Samuel 15:31 , David is informed, "Now someone told David, 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.' And David prayed, 'O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.'" This betrayal was a significant emotional blow to David, highlighting the pain of treachery from a close confidant. New Testament Examples: 1. Judas Iscariot: The most infamous act of betrayal in the New Testament is that of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. 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?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus." This act fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and played a crucial role in the redemptive plan of God. 2. Peter's Denial: While not a betrayal in the same sense as Judas, Peter's denial of Jesus is often seen as a form of personal betrayal. Despite his earlier promises of loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times during His trial. Luke 22:61-62 recounts, "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." Peter's denial underscores human weakness and the need for repentance and forgiveness. Theological Implications: Betrayal in the Bible serves as a stark reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the pervasive presence of sin. It highlights the need for divine grace and forgiveness, as seen in the restoration of Peter and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world. Betrayal also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships, both with God and with others. Lessons and Reflections: The biblical accounts of betrayal encourage believers to examine their own hearts for areas of unfaithfulness and to seek reconciliation where trust has been broken. They also serve as a call to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and redemptive purposes even in the face of human treachery. Topical Bible Verses John 13:21When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you shall betray me. Topicalbible.org Isaiah 33:1 Matthew 26:45-50 Luke 22:48 Mark 14:11 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act or the result of betraying.Library The Betrayal. The Betrayal Foretold at the Supper The Night of the Betrayal. The Betrayal March the Twenty-Third the Dark Betrayal The Betrayal and Arrest. Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. The Fourth Day in Passion-Week - Jesus in his Last Sabbatic Rest ... It Remains for Us, Lest Ancient Times May Perhaps have had the ... But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ... Thesaurus Betrayal (1 Occurrence)...Betrayal (1 Occurrence). ... When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed; and when you have made an end of betrayal, you will be betrayed. (WEB). ... /b/betrayal.htm - 6k Iscariot (11 Occurrences) Betray (29 Occurrences) Judas (42 Occurrences) Betrayed (31 Occurrences) Olves Nobody (21 Occurrences) Weren't (25 Occurrences) Treason (6 Occurrences) Torches (18 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome the pain of betrayal? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Judas betray Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Who was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.org Betrayal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Betrayal (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 33:1 Subtopics Select Readings: The Betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot Related Terms |
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