Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Law Against

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In the biblical context, the concept of conspiracy is addressed primarily through the lens of justice, truth, and the moral obligations of individuals within a community. The Bible provides guidance on how to handle conspiracies, emphasizing the importance of integrity and righteousness.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament contains several instances where conspiracies are mentioned, often in the context of political intrigue or rebellion. However, the law against conspiracy is more implicitly understood through the broader commandments and statutes given to the Israelites.

One of the key principles can be found in the Ninth Commandment: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity, which are foundational in preventing and addressing conspiracies. False testimony is a common element in conspiracies, and the law explicitly condemns it.

In Deuteronomy 19:15-21, the law provides a framework for dealing with false witnesses, which can be seen as a form of conspiracy against an innocent person. The passage states that a single witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; there must be two or three witnesses. If a witness is found to be false, the same punishment they intended for the accused is to be applied to them. This law serves as a deterrent against conspiracies that rely on deceit and false accusations.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to uphold the principles of truth and justice. While it does not provide specific laws against conspiracy, it emphasizes the moral and ethical standards that followers of Christ are to uphold.

In the teachings of Jesus, the call to love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and to treat others as one would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12) inherently opposes the spirit of conspiracy, which often involves harm to others for personal gain. The Apostle Paul also speaks against deceit and malice, urging believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25).

Historical Examples

Throughout biblical history, there are notable examples of conspiracies and their consequences. One such example is the conspiracy against Naboth, orchestrated by Queen Jezebel to seize his vineyard for King Ahab (1 Kings 21). Jezebel's use of false witnesses to accuse Naboth of blasphemy led to his unjust execution. This account highlights the destructive power of conspiracy and the violation of God's law.

Another example is the conspiracy against Jesus Christ, where religious leaders plotted to arrest and crucify Him (Matthew 26:3-4). Despite their efforts, the ultimate outcome was the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that while human conspiracies may succeed temporarily, they cannot thwart divine purposes.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible's stance against conspiracy is rooted in its broader ethical teachings. Believers are called to live lives marked by honesty, integrity, and justice. Conspiracies, which often involve deceit, betrayal, and harm to others, are antithetical to these values.

The biblical call to justice is clear: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). This call to action encourages believers to stand against conspiracies and any form of injustice, advocating for truth and righteousness in all circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 23:1,2
You shall not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Crime of Conspiracy or Banding Together is Utterly Prohibited ...
... The crime of conspiracy or banding together is utterly prohibited even by the secular
law, and much ... banding together, or hatching plots against their bishops ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xviii the crime of.htm

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ...
... makes two one, as much as two can be, by the conspiracy of their ... Then, there is a
rebellion of the will against God's holy will revealed in his law or word ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx because the carnal.htm

The Character of the Commonitory which the Legates Received ...
... Acts of the Apostles, warded off a conspiracy of certain ... that they give commandment
that the law, set forth ... and which was also directed against proprietors at ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xciii greek xcvi the.htm

Of the Council of Antioch and what was done There against the Holy ...
... Against this teaching the men who had the plague of ... openly attacked and menaced by
secret conspiracy, the divine ... thy life"; [592] and further the law of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxvii of the council of.htm

The Life of James Stuart, Earl of Moray.
... him for his former treasonable practices, and commenced a process at law against
him ... This led her to join more warmly in the conspiracy with Bothwel against his ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of james stuart.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... eunuchs, being by birth a Jew, was acquainted with their conspiracy, and discovered ...
that she would go to the king, though it were against the law, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Defence against the Arians.
... themselves, declaring that the proceedings against me were a conspiracy, who is
there that would not be ashamed to doubt any longer? The law requires that in ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/defence against the arians.htm

Set Square and Dark against the Pale Blue of the Italian Sky the ...
... he will not be too attentive a son-in- law! ... and atheistical, and would have willingly
argued against the very ... meeting would be taken as a sign of conspiracy!". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xix set square and dark.htm

Letter cxxxviii. (AD 412. )
... find a purchaser!" [2555] In his book on the Catilinarian conspiracy, which was ... of
Coea, the birthplace of his wife, appealed to law against the opposition ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxviii a d 412.htm

In the Lions' Den
... constrained to acknowledge, "except we find it against him concerning the law of
his God ... In the conspiracy thus formed, Satan had played an important ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 44 in the lions.htm