Definition and Context:
The term "machinations" refers to schemes, plots, or crafty actions intended to achieve a particular end, often through deceit or underhanded means. In a biblical context, machinations are typically associated with the wicked or those who oppose God's will. The Bible frequently warns against such devious plans and highlights the ultimate futility of opposing God's purposes.

Biblical References:
The concept of machinations is woven throughout Scripture, often illustrating the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. While the term "machinations" itself may not appear frequently in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is present in various passages.

1. Psalm 37:12-13 : "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage highlights the futility of the wicked's schemes against the righteous, emphasizing God's sovereign control and ultimate justice.

2. Proverbs 6:16-19 : "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers." Here, a "heart that devises wicked schemes" is listed among the things detestable to God, underscoring the moral repugnance of such actions.

3. Isaiah 32:7 : "The schemes of the scoundrel are wicked; he devises evil plans to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just." This verse condemns the deceitful plans of the wicked, particularly when they target the vulnerable and oppressed.

4. Jeremiah 18:18 : "Then they said, 'Come, let us devise a plan against Jeremiah, for the law will not be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.'" The prophet Jeremiah faced machinations from those who opposed his message, illustrating the resistance often encountered by God's messengers.

5. Acts 23:12-13 : "When daylight came, 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." The Apostle Paul encountered numerous plots against his life, demonstrating the persistent opposition faced by early Christians.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, machinations are seen as manifestations of human sinfulness and rebellion against God. They reflect a reliance on human cunning rather than trust in divine providence. The Bible consistently portrays such schemes as ultimately doomed to fail, as God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human deceit.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
Believers are called to reject machinations and instead pursue righteousness and integrity. The Scriptures encourage trust in God's justice and timing, rather than resorting to deceitful means to achieve one's ends. The righteous are assured that God will vindicate them and bring the plans of the wicked to naught.

Practical Application:
Christians are urged to be vigilant against the machinations of the enemy, both spiritual and temporal. Ephesians 6:11 advises believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This call to spiritual preparedness underscores the need for discernment and reliance on God's strength in the face of opposition.

Machinations of the Pharisees.
... FROM THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM TO THE ASCENSION. CHAPTER I. FROM THE TRIUMPHAL
ENTRY TO THE LAST SUPPER. Section 246. Machinations of the Pharisees. ...
/.../section 246 machinations of the.htm

The Artful Machinations of Eusebius and his Followers against the ...
... Book I. Chapter XX."The artful Machinations of Eusebius and his followers
against the Holy Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch. Eusebius ...
/.../chapter xx the artful machinations of.htm

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... CHAPTER XXII. MACHINATIONS OF THE ENEMIES OF JESUS. Jesus passed the autumn and
a part of the winter at Jerusalem. This season is there rather cold. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxii machinations of the.htm

The Vain Machinations of the Arians and Melitians against St. ...
... Book II. Chapter XXII."The Vain Machinations of the Arians and Melitians
against St. Athanasius. The various calamities which ...
/.../chapter xxii the vain machinations of.htm

Machinations of Christ's Enemies.
... THE ASCENSION. CHAPTER I. FROM THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY TO THE LAST SUPPER. Section
263. Machinations of Christ's Enemies. The few hours ...
/.../section 263 machinations of christs.htm

Divers Machinations of the Arians against Athanasius, and his ...
... Book IV. Chapter X."Divers Machinations of the Arians against Athanasius, and
his Escape from Various Dangers through Divine Interposition. ...
/.../chapter x divers machinations of the.htm

Return of Athanasius the Great from Rome; Letter of Constantine ...
... Chapter II."Return of Athanasius the Great from Rome; Letter of Constantine C??sar,
Son of Constantine the Great; Renewed Machinations of the Arians against ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ii return of athanasius the.htm

Arrival of Constantius at Rome. A Council Held in Italy. Account ...
... at Rome. A Council held in Italy. Account of what happened to Athanasius
the Great through the Machinations of the Arians. On the ...
/.../chapter viii arrival of constantius at.htm

The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus
... Chapter XXII.--The Vain Machinations of the Arians and Melitians against
St. Athanasius. Chapter XXIII.--Calumny respecting St. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/

Justin the Philosopher Preaches the Word of Christ in Rome and ...
... 7. And that he met his death as he had predicted that he would, in consequence of
the machinations of Crescens, is stated by Tatian, [1180] a man who early in ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xvi justin the philosopher preaches.htm

Machinations (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Machinations (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 25:11 And
he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth ...
/m/machinations.htm - 6k

Machine (2 Occurrences)

/m/machine.htm - 8k

Machi (1 Occurrence)

/m/machi.htm - 6k

Purim (5 Occurrences)
... (n.) A Jewish festival, called also the Feast of Lots, instituted to commemorate
the deliverance of the Jews from the machinations of Haman. Int. ...
/p/purim.htm - 16k

Swimmer (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 25:11 And he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth the swimmer
to swim; And He hath humbled his excellency With the machinations of his ...
/s/swimmer.htm - 6k

Herodias (7 Occurrences)
... Caligula the title of king. This was refused through the machinations of
Agrippa, and Herod was banished. But the pride of Herodias ...
/h/herodias.htm - 12k

Apocrypha
... come through an inward trial, not as a mere gift; and that the presence of suffering
in the world is due to sin, the presence of sin to the machinations of a ...
/a/apocrypha.htm - 48k

Excellency (53 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 25:11 And he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth the swimmer
to swim; And He hath humbled his excellency With the machinations of his ...
/e/excellency.htm - 25k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... From Gaza Samson betook himself to the valley of Sorek where he fell in love with
another Philistine woman, named Delilah, through whose machinations he lost ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

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