Treachery

A betrayal of trust by a close companion, often involving a preconceived plan. Those found guilty of treachery are severely punished by God.

Treachery against God

Zephaniah 3:4 See also Leviticus 26:40; Isaiah 48:8, Isaiah 59:13

Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.

Treachery against other people

2 Samuel 20:9–10 See also Judges 16:19 Delilah against Samson; 1 Samuel 18:17 Saul against David; 2 Samuel 3:27 Joab against Abner; 2 Samuel 4:6 Recab and Baanah against Ish-Bosheth; 2 Samuel 11:15 David against Uriah; 2 Samuel 13:28–29 Absalom against Amnon; 1 Kings 21:7–13 Jezebel against Naboth; Nehemiah 6:2 Sanballat and Geshem against Nehemiah; Esther 3:8 Haman against Mordecai; Matthew 26:49 parallels Mark 14:45, Luke 22:47–48 Judas against Jesus Christ; Acts 7:18–19 Pharaoh against the Israelites

“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

Punishment of the treacherous

Acts 1:18 See also 2 Samuel 18:14–15 Absalom; 1 Kings 2:31–34 Joab; 2 Kings 9:30–37 Jezebel; Esther 7:10 Haman; Psalm 25:3, Psalm 59:5; Isaiah 33:1

(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.

Treachery in the purposes of God

Acts 4:27–28 See also Genesis 50:20; Judges 9:22–24; 2 Kings 9:23, 2 Kings 11:14 parallel 2 Chronicles 23:13

In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.