Plotting, in the biblical context, refers to the act of devising schemes or plans, often with malicious intent or deceitful purposes. The Bible addresses the concept of plotting in various passages, highlighting both the moral implications and the consequences of such actions.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, plotting is frequently associated with wickedness and is condemned by God. The Psalms often speak of the wicked who plot against the righteous. Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage underscores the futility of plotting against God's people, as divine justice will ultimately prevail.

The account of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37 is a notable example of plotting. Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy, conspired to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery. Their plot, however, was used by God to bring about a greater purpose, as Joseph later rose to power in Egypt and saved many lives during a famine.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Pharisees and religious leaders frequently plotted against Jesus. Mark 3:6 records, "Then the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." Despite their schemes, Jesus' mission was fulfilled according to God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that human plotting cannot thwart divine purposes.

The Acts of the Apostles also recounts instances of plotting against the early church. In Acts 23:12-13 , a group of Jews formed a conspiracy, vowing not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. However, their plot was uncovered, and Paul was safely escorted to Caesarea, illustrating God's protection over His servants.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently portrays plotting as an act of wickedness, often associated with deceit, betrayal, and violence. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a heart that devises wicked schemes" among the things the Lord hates. This highlights the moral gravity of plotting and the importance of integrity and righteousness in the eyes of God.

Believers are called to trust in the Lord rather than resort to plotting or scheming. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage encourages reliance on God's wisdom and guidance rather than human cunning.

Consequences of Plotting

The Bible warns of the consequences of plotting, both in this life and in the judgment to come. Those who engage in deceitful schemes often face divine retribution. Psalm 7:14-16 declares, "Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood. He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head."

This principle is evident in the account of Haman in the Book of Esther. Haman plotted to destroy the Jews, but his scheme ultimately led to his own downfall, as he was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

Conclusion

Plotting, as depicted in the Bible, is a manifestation of human sinfulness and rebellion against God's will. The Scriptures consistently warn against such behavior, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, trust in God, and the assurance that His justice will ultimately prevail.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plot.1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning
... Noun, Masculine Transliteration: dialogismos Phonetic Spelling: (dee-al-og-is-mos')
Short Definition: a calculation, reasoning, thought, plotting Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1261.htm - 7k

1748. enedreuo -- to lie in wait for, to plot
... Word Origin from enedra Definition to lie in wait for, to plot NASB Word
Usage lying in wait (1), plotting against (1). lay wait for. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1748.htm - 6k

4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... Usage design (1), designs (3), devised (1), intentions* (1), invented (1), inventive
(1), plan (2), plans (14), plot (1), plots (1), plotting (1), purposes (3 ...
/hebrew/4284.htm - 6k

696. oreb -- an ambuscade
... Word Origin from arab Definition an ambuscade NASB Word Usage ambush (1), plotting
(1). wait. The same as 'ereb -- wait. see HEBREW 'ereb. 695, 696. ...
/hebrew/696.htm - 6k

2790a. charash -- to cut in, engrave, plow, devise
... Definition to cut in, engrave, plow, devise NASB Word Usage devise (4), devises
(2), do (1), engraved (1), farmer plow (1), implements (1), plotting (1), plow ...
/hebrew/2790a.htm - 5k

Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nic??a ...
... Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nic??a, having recovered Confidence,
endeavor to subvert the Nicene Creed, by plotting against Athanasius. ...
/.../chapter xxiii eusebius bishop of nicomedia.htm

The Distracted Mind
... and have too often to find a false courage and a false cheerfulness, by drowning
their cares in drink, or in mean cunning and plotting and planning, which ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxix the distracted mind.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... And ever he watched the movements of their enemies, who from time to time collected
at a distance and engaged in conversation, as if plotting mischief, and then ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

The Events which Happened to the Heathen.
... Heathen. 1. During the entire ten years [2584] of the persecution, they were
constantly plotting and warring against one another. [2585 ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xv the events which happened.htm

Confutation of Arianism Deduced from the Writings of Eustathius ...
... This was afterwards shewn by their plotting against those who were foremost in zeal
for religion, as well as by what these latter have written about them. ...
/.../chapter vii confutation of arianism deduced.htm

Whether These vices Arise from Covetousness?
... Objection 3: Further, men make use of stratagems not only in laying hold of other
people's goods, but also in plotting murders, the former of which pertains to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether these vices arise from.htm

The Triumphal Entry. Ch. 19:29-48
... the Messiah. We see him lamenting over the doomed city and hear the harsh
tones of the rulers who are plotting his death. With all ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the triumphal entry ch.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... v.39.) See the plotted-against eventually becoming the authors of salvation to those
plotting against them: [369] the people, plotting against itself, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... his heel against Him [1506] ; his hands were but lately receiving the blessed gifts
[1507] , and presently for the wages of betrayal he was plotting His death. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

Matt. xix. 1
... 6. Such is the nature of envy, it is ever plotting against its own honors, and wasting
him that hath it, and encompassing him with countless calamities. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxii matt xix 1.htm

Plotting (13 Occurrences)
...Plotting (13 Occurrences). ... Acts 25:3 asking a favor against him, that he would
summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. (WEB). ...
/p/plotting.htm - 9k

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)
... of being "born again." He is next met with in the Sanhedrin (7:50-52), where he
protested against the course they were taking in plotting against Christ. ...
/n/nicodemus.htm - 14k

Whisper (9 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) To make a low, sibilant sound or noise. 3. (n.) To speak with suspicion,
or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting. ...
/w/whisper.htm - 10k

Intrigues (4 Occurrences)
... rebelled against you. (See NIV). Psalms 31:20 In the shelter of your presence
you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep ...
/i/intrigues.htm - 7k

Transferred (5 Occurrences)
... Transferred (5 Occurrences). Acts 25:3 asking a favor against him, that he would
summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. (See NIV). ...
/t/transferred.htm - 8k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... (ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 25:3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon
him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. (Root in WEB ASV). ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Plotteth (1 Occurrence)

/p/plotteth.htm - 6k

Preparing (25 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY RSV). Acts 25:3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him
to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. (See NIV). ...
/p/preparing.htm - 13k

Paphos (2 Occurrences)
... of Salamis, who had been set over the whole of Cyprus by Ptolemy I of Egypt, was
forced to put an end to his life at Paphos for plotting with Antigonus ...
/p/paphos.htm - 14k

Plottings (1 Occurrence)

/p/plottings.htm - 6k

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