Intrigue, in the biblical context, often refers to secretive or deceitful schemes and plots, typically involving manipulation or betrayal to achieve a particular end. The Bible provides numerous examples of intrigue, illustrating both its destructive potential and the moral lessons that can be drawn from such behavior.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of intrigue is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, his elder brother (Genesis 27). This act of intrigue leads to significant family discord and sets the stage for future events in the lives of Jacob and Esau.

2. Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph's brothers conspire against him out of jealousy, selling him into slavery and deceiving their father Jacob into believing that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:18-36). This act of intrigue, while initially harmful, ultimately leads to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the preservation of his family during a famine.

3. Absalom's Rebellion: Absalom, the son of King David, engages in a calculated campaign to usurp his father's throne. He wins the hearts of the people of Israel through deceit and manipulation, ultimately leading to a civil war (2 Samuel 15-18). Absalom's intrigue results in his own downfall and death, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion and betrayal.

New Testament Examples

1. Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous act of intrigue in the New Testament is the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. Motivated by greed, Judas conspires with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery leads to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah's suffering.

2. The Plot Against Paul: The Apostle Paul faced numerous plots against his life during his ministry. In Acts 23:12-15, more than forty Jews conspire to kill Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until they have succeeded. However, their plot is uncovered, and Paul is safely escorted to Caesarea by Roman soldiers, demonstrating God's providential protection over His servants.

Moral and Theological Implications

The Bible consistently portrays intrigue as contrary to God's will, emphasizing the values of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. Intrigue often leads to division, suffering, and judgment, as seen in the accounts of Absalom and Judas. The Scriptures warn against deceitful behavior, urging believers to live in the light and walk in truth.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a heart that devises wicked schemes" among the things the Lord detests, highlighting the moral repugnance of intrigue. Similarly, Psalm 101:7 declares, "No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely shall stand in my presence."

In contrast, the Bible calls believers to emulate the character of Christ, who is "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). By rejecting intrigue and embracing truth, Christians are called to reflect God's righteousness in their lives and relationships.1. (n.) A complicated plot or scheme to accomplish a purpose by secret means.

2. (v. i.) To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour.

3. (v. t.) To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate; to embarrass.

4. (v. i.) Intricacy; complication.

5. (n.) A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.

6. (n.) The plot or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events.

7. (n.) A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison.

2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... contention, strife. Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, ie (by
implication) faction -- contention(-ious), strife. see GREEK erethizo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k2420. chidah -- a riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or ...
... a riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question NASB Word Usage dark sayings
(2), difficult questions (2), insinuations (1), intrigue (1), riddle (10 ...
/hebrew/2420.htm - 6k

2519. chalaqlaqqoth -- smoothness
... Word Origin by redupl. from chalaq Definition smoothness NASB Word Usage hypocrisy
(1), intrigue (1), slippery (1), slippery paths (1). flattery, slippery. ...
/hebrew/2519.htm - 6k

Intrigue Triumphant
... BOOK V CHAPTER XLIX INTRIGUE TRIUMPHANT. Of all malicious acts abhorred in
heaven The end is injury; and all such end. Either by force ...
/.../chapter xlix intrigue triumphant.htm

Renewal of Troubles. Second Exile. Pistus and Gregory, Culmination ...
... Chapter I. Literature Section 6. Renewal of Troubles. Second Exile. Pistus and Gregory,
Culmination of Eusebian Intrigue. Rome and Sardica. (337-346). ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 6 renewal of troubles.htm

Other Self-Asserting Augustae --Verina, Ariadne, Sophia, Martina ...
... During this period two Augustae"Verina and Ariadne"took a part in imperial politics,
and made up in wickedness and intrigue what they lacked in culture and ...
/.../women of early christianity/xii other self-asserting augustaeverina ariadne.htm

Eudoxia's Statue
... What lasting concord could there be between a woman of insane and insatiable pride,
whose Court reeked with intrigue and worldliness, and an Archbishop of ...
/.../chapter xlvii eudoxias statue.htm

He Disapproves of the Mode of Educating Youth, and He Points Out ...
... way of thinking, and to unfold your opinions." So, in truth, we should never have
understood these words, "golden shower," "bosom," "intrigue," "highest heavens ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xvi he disapproves of the.htm

Introduction
... These are most frequently met in the work of our novelists. English authors and
journalists are abusing and overworking the word intrigue to-day. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/introduction.htm

By what virtues the Ancient Romans Merited that the True God ...
... 203] And what is meant by seeking the attainment of glory, honor, and power by good
arts, is to seek them by virtue, and not by deceitful intrigue; for the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 by what virtues the.htm

Moral Characteristics.
... In respect to the death of Fausta, at least, there was probably just cause; whether
love intrigue or other intrigue, there seems to have been some real occasion ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 5 moral characteristics.htm

The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent.
... their absolute authority, and afraid of reform movements, which might make concessions
to heretics, pursued a policy of evasion and intrigue, and postponed the ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 24 the canons and.htm

Letter xiv. To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica.
... If any bishop, despising the insignificance of his city, shall intrigue for the
government of a more populous place, and transfer himself by whatever means to ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xiv to anastasius bishop.htm

Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes;
an amour; a liaison. Multi-Version Concordance Intrigue (3 Occurrences). ...
/i/intrigue.htm - 7k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... or plan, of a complicated nature, adapted to the accomplishment of some purpose,
usually a treacherous and mischievous one; a conspiracy; an intrigue; as, the ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Negotiate (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (vi) To intrigue; to scheme. 5. (vt) To carry on negotiations concerning; to
procure or arrange for by negotiation; as, to negotiate peace, or an exchange. ...
/n/negotiate.htm - 7k

Intrigues (4 Occurrences)

/i/intrigues.htm - 7k

Intricately (1 Occurrence)

/i/intricately.htm - 6k

Tool (13 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A person used as an instrument by another person; -- a word of reproach;
as, men of intrigue have their tools, by whose agency they accomplish their ...
/t/tool.htm - 11k

Deeply (43 Occurrences)
... 5. (adv.) With profound skill; with art or intricacy; as, a deeply laid plot
or intrigue. Multi-Version Concordance Deeply (43 Occurrences). ...
/d/deeply.htm - 18k

Abishag (5 Occurrences)
... By reason of this and of her personal charms, she might become a strong helper
to any rival of Solomon who should intrigue to supplant him. ...
/a/abishag.htm - 10k

Affair (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize
vaguely; as, an affair of honor, ie, a duel; an affair of love, ie, an intrigue...
/a/affair.htm - 8k

Angle (19 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To fish with an angle (fishhook), or with hook and line. 8. (vi) To use
some bait or artifice; to intrigue; to scheme; as, to angle for praise. ...
/a/angle.htm - 14k

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