Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a figure of significant interest in biblical studies due to his role in the betrayal of Jesus. His actions are seen as the fulfillment of various Old Testament prophecies, which are interpreted as foretelling the betrayal of the Messiah by a close associate.

Old Testament Prophecies

1. Psalm 41:9: This verse is often cited as a prophecy concerning Judas. It states, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." This passage is understood to foreshadow the betrayal by Judas, who was a trusted disciple and shared in the Last Supper with Jesus.

2. Zechariah 11:12-13: These verses describe the payment of thirty pieces of silver and the subsequent casting of the money into the house of the LORD for the potter. "And I said to them, 'If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.' So they weighed out my wages—thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, 'Throw it to the potter, this magnificent price at which they valued Me!' So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter." This prophecy is seen as directly correlating with Judas's betrayal, where he received thirty pieces of silver for delivering Jesus to the authorities (Matthew 26:14-16) and later returned the money, which was used to buy the potter's field (Matthew 27:3-10).

3. Psalm 55:12-14: "For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God." This passage is often linked to Judas, emphasizing the personal nature of the betrayal, as Judas was a companion and part of Jesus' inner circle.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers, particularly in the Gospels, present Judas's actions as the fulfillment of these prophecies. In John 13:18, Jesus Himself references Psalm 41:9, saying, "I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: 'The one who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.'"

The betrayal by Judas is a pivotal event in the Passion narrative, leading to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the belief in the divine foreknowledge and plan of God, even in the midst of human treachery.

Conclusion

Judas Iscariot's role in the betrayal of Jesus is a profound example of prophecy fulfillment in the Christian tradition. The Old Testament passages, as interpreted by New Testament writers, highlight the intricate connection between prophecy and its realization in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Judas's actions, while tragic, are seen as part of the divine narrative that leads to the redemption of humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus.Matthew 26:21-25
And as they did eat, he said, Truly I say to you, that one of you shall betray me.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 14:18-21
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 22:21-23
But, behold, the hand of him that betrays me is with me on the table.
Nave's Topical Index

John 13:18-26
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.
Nave's Topical Index

John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 1:16,20
Men and brothers, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 41:9
Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 109:8
Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 11:12,13
And I said to them, If you think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

Christ Manifesting Himself to his People
... the other who wrote the epistle of Jude, who should ... and God will say, "Judas, not
Iscariot." The man ... But we will now forsake Judas altogether, and proceed to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ manifesting himself to his.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... and his apostles, but a thief and robber, and the vicar of Judas Iscariot and Simon
the Samaritan. Hence it was so strictly appointed concerning the election ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... This epithet is given to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer ... Jude foresees the great dark
beastly manism ... The prophecies concerning the apostasy are more particularly ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

The Disciples of Our Saviour.
... numbered with the apostles in the place of Judas, and the ... 208] Joseph Barsabas, surnamed
Justus. ... one of the Twelve, apparently identical with Jude and Lebb??us ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xii the disciples of our.htm

Acts i. 12
... two," it is said, "Joseph called Barsabus, who was surnamed Justus, and ... The former
view identifies this Judas with the author of the Epistle (Jude 1:1) and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Cyprian, epistles of, concerning the Novatian schism, [772]287; on rebaptism of
heretics, [773]294, [774]296 (note 6). ... Gaulonite. See Judas the Gaulonite. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... a sketch of Jewish history, mingled with prophecies of future ... Jude refers; but this
will probably now be never ... the law, led to the outburst of Judas of Galilee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

The Book of Enoch
... are represented the defeat and death of Judas and Simon ... The writer especially had
studied the prophecies of Daniel ... Does the Apostle Jude, by quoting a passage in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... the oldest of the four "brethren" (James, Joseph, Judas, Simon), of ... mentioned
Matt.13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1:1 ... there are many of this name) was surnamed the Just ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Judas Iscariot, a Jud??an, i.522; beginning of his apostasy, ii.36; ... Judas Lebb??us,
why so called, i.522; ... Jude, brother of Christ, character of, i.251, 254. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Who was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Judas betray Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

How did Judas die? | GotQuestions.org

Judas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus