Topical Encyclopedia Treason, in a biblical context, refers to acts of betrayal or disloyalty against a sovereign or governing authority. The concept of treason is deeply intertwined with themes of loyalty, covenant, and authority as presented in the Scriptures. Throughout the Bible, instances of treason are depicted as serious offenses, often resulting in severe consequences.Old Testament Instances One of the most notable examples of treason in the Old Testament is the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. Absalom's conspiracy to usurp the throne is detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6) and declared himself king in Hebron, leading to a civil war. This act of treason not only threatened the stability of David's reign but also disrupted the unity of Israel. Another significant instance is the conspiracy of Sheba, a Benjamite, who led a revolt against David after Absalom's rebellion was quelled. Sheba's declaration, "We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son" (2 Samuel 20:1), incited division among the tribes of Israel. His rebellion was swiftly dealt with, demonstrating the seriousness with which treason was regarded. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is often viewed as an act of treason. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of betrayal led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering. Judas' treason is seen as a profound act of disloyalty, not only against Jesus as a leader but also against the divine plan of salvation. Theological Implications Treason in the biblical narrative often serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of covenant faithfulness and divine justice. The acts of treason committed by individuals like Absalom and Judas highlight the human propensity for rebellion against God-ordained authority. These narratives underscore the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's established order. The Bible also presents a broader spiritual dimension to treason, where rebellion against God Himself is considered the ultimate form of treason. This is evident in the fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15), and in the rebellion of humanity against God's commandments, which is addressed throughout Scripture. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral and ethical standpoint, treason is condemned in the Bible as a violation of trust and covenant. The consequences of treason, as depicted in the biblical accounts, serve as a warning against the dangers of disloyalty and rebellion. The narratives encourage believers to remain faithful to God and to the authorities He has established, reflecting the biblical principle that "there is no authority except that which is from God" (Romans 13:1). In summary, treason in the Bible is portrayed as a grave sin with far-reaching consequences, both in the temporal and spiritual realms. The biblical accounts of treason serve as cautionary tales, urging believers to uphold loyalty and faithfulness in their relationships with God and others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The offense of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance, or of betraying the state into the hands of a foreign power; disloyalty; treachery.2. (n.) Loosely, the betrayal of any trust or confidence; treachery; perfidy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TREASONtre'-z'-n: The translation of qesher, in English Versions of the Bible 1 Kings 16:20 2 Kings 11:14 parallel 2 Chronicles 23:13. Qesher (from qashar, "to bind") means "a conspiracy" (2 Samuel 15:12 2 Kings 12:20, etc.), and the translation "treason" is due to the King James Versions' love of variety. Strong's Hebrew 7195. qesher -- conspiracy... Word Origin from qashar Definition conspiracy NASB Word Usage conspiracy (10), treason (4). confederacy, conspiracy, treason. From ... /hebrew/7195.htm - 6k 7194. qashar -- to bind, league together, conspire 1288. barak -- to kneel, bless Library Enough Has Been Said in These Remarks to Confute the Charge of ... Marcus of Mactaris Said: "It is not to be Wondered at if Heretics. ... Judas and his Band. Degrees of Sin Sermons on the Card. Jehoiada and Joash The Shameful Sufferer The Revolt of Babylon. The Lord Coming to his Temple Let it be Made Clear, Then, First of All... Thesaurus Treason (6 Occurrences)...TREASON. tre'-z'-n: The translation of qesher, in English Versions of the Bible 1 Kings 16:20 2 Kings 11:14 parallel 2 Chronicles 23:13. ...Treason (6 Occurrences). ... /t/treason.htm - 9k Trumpeters (4 Occurrences) Platform (9 Occurrences) Athali'ah (17 Occurrences) Athaliah (17 Occurrences) Blew (37 Occurrences) Tore (59 Occurrences) Purity (16 Occurrences) Rejoiced (83 Occurrences) Musical (14 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Treason: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Treason (6 Occurrences)1 Samuel 24:11 1 Kings 16:20 2 Kings 9:23 2 Kings 11:14 2 Chronicles 23:13 Ezekiel 17:20 Subtopics Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth Treason of Jehoiada Against Athaliah Treason of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses and Aaron Treason of Rahab Against Jericho Treason of the Betrayer of Beth-El Treason of the Egyptian Servant Against the Amalekites Treason of the Ephraimites Against Jephthah Treason of the Israelites Against King Saul Treason of the Israelites Against Rehoboam Treason of the Shechemites Against Abimelech Treason: Jesus Falsely Accused of Treason: Paul Falsely Accused of Related Terms |