Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context To conspire is to secretly plan with others to commit an unlawful or harmful act. In the biblical context, conspiracy often involves plotting against individuals, leaders, or even God’s plans. The Bible provides several instances where conspiracy is depicted as a manifestation of human sinfulness and rebellion against divine authority. Old Testament References Conspiracy is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with political intrigue and rebellion. One notable example is the conspiracy against King David by his son Absalom. Absalom's rebellion is described in 2 Samuel 15:12-13: "While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing." Another significant instance is the conspiracy against King Joash, as recorded in 2 Kings 12:20: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla." This act of treachery highlights the instability and danger that often accompanied the reigns of Israelite and Judean kings. The prophet Jeremiah also faced conspiracies during his ministry. In Jeremiah 11:9, the Lord reveals to him, "A conspiracy exists among the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem." This conspiracy was against God’s covenant, illustrating the spiritual rebellion of the people. New Testament References In the New Testament, conspiracy is evident in the plot against Jesus Christ. The religious leaders conspired to arrest and kill Him, as seen in Matthew 26:3-4: "At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him." The Apostle Paul also encountered conspiracies during his ministry. In Acts 23:12-13, a group of Jews formed a plot against him: "The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty of them were involved in this plot." Theological Implications Conspiracy in the Bible often reflects the broader theme of human opposition to God’s will. It underscores the reality of sin and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their own ends, often in defiance of divine authority. Despite human schemes, the Bible consistently demonstrates that God’s purposes ultimately prevail, as seen in the thwarting of conspiracies against His chosen leaders and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Christ. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral standpoint, the Bible condemns conspiracy as an act of deceit and betrayal. It is a violation of trust and an affront to justice and righteousness. Believers are called to live in truth and integrity, avoiding the snares of conspiratorial thinking and actions. Proverbs 3:29 advises, "Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully beside you." In summary, the biblical portrayal of conspiracy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of secretive and malicious plotting. It calls believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to pursue righteousness in all their dealings. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To plot secretly; as, to conspire to commit murder; to make an agreement, esp. a secret agreement, to do some act, as to commit treason or a crime, or to do some unlawful deed; to plot together.2. (v. i.) To concur to one end; to agree. 3. (v. t.) To plot; to plan; to combine for. Strong's Hebrew 7194. qashar -- to bind, league together, conspire... qashar. 7195 . to bind, league together, conspire. Transliteration: qashar Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-shar') Short Definition: conspired. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7194.htm - 6k 5230. nakal -- to be crafty, deceitful or knavish 3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel Library (Of those who Conspire against Bishops, or who Take Part with Such ... On the Contrary, they Deserve the Name of Faction who Conspire to ... The Vagaries of Basilides and Valentinus as to Fear Being the ... Observe Also the Superficiality and Manifest Falsity of Such a ... Appendix (A). "That which we have Heard and Seen of the Word of Life, Declare we ... Appendix (A). On the Importance of Attending to Patristic ... Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional. Apology Thesaurus Conspire (18 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To plot secretly; as, to conspire to commit murder; to make an agreement, esp. ...Conspire (18 Occurrences). ... /c/conspire.htm - 11k Plot (53 Occurrences) Conspired (32 Occurrences) Lurk (5 Occurrences) Is'sachar (40 Occurrences) Injury (21 Occurrences) Drunkard (15 Occurrences) Dictates (1 Occurrence) Draweth (52 Occurrences) Demands (12 Occurrences) Resources What is a Gentile? | GotQuestions.orgWhich psalms predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about predetermination? | GotQuestions.org Conspire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Conspire (18 Occurrences)Acts 4:27 Genesis 37:18 1 Kings 15:27 1 Kings 16:9 2 Kings 15:25 2 Kings 21:23 2 Chronicles 24:21 2 Chronicles 33:24 Nehemiah 4:8 Psalms 2:1 Psalms 31:13 Psalms 56:6 Psalms 59:3 Psalms 71:10 Psalms 83:3 Psalms 83:5 Psalms 105:25 Micah 7:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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