Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked Slay Those Who Follow

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Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often juxtaposed with the actions and intentions of the wicked. The Scriptures frequently highlight the tension between those who pursue righteousness and those who oppose it, sometimes to the point of violence. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the persecution and slaying of the righteous by the wicked, drawing from various passages to illustrate this somber reality.

Biblical Context

The Bible consistently portrays righteousness as a quality that aligns with God's character and commands. It is a state of moral integrity and justice, often associated with obedience to God's laws and a heart aligned with His will. However, the pursuit of righteousness often incurs the wrath of the wicked, who are depicted as opposing God's ways and those who follow them.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, the tension between the righteous and the wicked is evident. The Psalms frequently express the plight of the righteous in the face of wickedness. Psalm 37:32 states, "The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking to slay them." This verse encapsulates the hostility that the righteous often face from those who reject God's ways.

The account of Abel, the first martyr, illustrates this theme. Abel's righteous offering to God incited Cain's jealousy and wrath, leading to Abel's murder (Genesis 4:8). This narrative sets a precedent for the ongoing conflict between righteousness and wickedness throughout biblical history.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also addressed the persecution of the righteous. In Isaiah 59:15, it is written, "Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey." This passage highlights the societal corruption where those who pursue righteousness become targets for the wicked. The prophets often called out the injustices perpetrated by the wicked against the righteous, urging repentance and a return to God's ways.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself warning His followers of the persecution they would face. In Matthew 5:10, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This beatitude acknowledges the reality of suffering for righteousness' sake while offering the hope of divine reward.

The early church experienced this persecution firsthand. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his unwavering faith and righteousness (Acts 7:54-60). His death exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice that the righteous may be called to make in the face of wicked opposition.

Apostolic Encouragement

The apostles encouraged believers to remain steadfast in righteousness despite persecution. In 1 Peter 3:14, the apostle Peter writes, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." This exhortation underscores the blessedness of enduring suffering for righteousness and the assurance of God's presence and reward.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that the pursuit of righteousness often leads to conflict with the wicked. This tension is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, from the early accounts of Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of the early church. The Bible calls believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution, trusting in God's ultimate justice and the promise of eternal reward for those who endure.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 37:32
The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:12
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:35
That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ...
... How much more so when they slay the righteous, and ... Why should not all be equally
wicked, rapacious, unchaste ... which attacked the Author of righteousness Himself. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the crimes of.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... the following passages: "The rod of the wicked shall not ... is due to it according to
the righteousness of God ... their father, because the Lord would slay them." (1 ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
... But in marked contrast, our Lord shall judge "in righteousness:" nought but Justice ...
and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked." It marks the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the return of christ.htm

The King and his Armies.
... "With righteousness shall he ... when he "shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked," Isa.11:4 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the king and his armies.htm

Psalm XL.
... They slay the Lamb; they eat the unleavened bread ... Thy righteousness shall receive
a crown ... fear for a virtuous brother, I have to bear with a wicked brother; and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xl.htm

Psalm 94
... who lewd and wicked be,. How long shall they who wicked are. ... 6The widow they and
stranger slay,. and kill the fatherless. ... 15But judgment unto righteousness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 94.htm

Example.
... did persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because ... He blesses a whole posterity
for the righteousness of their ... a father and mother are wicked, their children ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lviii example.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... except of works, that he hath a wicked heart, even ... sons." After Paul had taught us
that righteousness and faith ... every one that findeth me shall slay me." This ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... Do you want to slay me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?" [30 ... 13I will teach your
ways to the wicked, and the ... 15My tongue will rejoice in your righteousness. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... from the same birth pangs, and to slay him who had ... On this account some of the wicked
he chastens, and ... did not escape on account of their righteousness, but in ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm