The concept of scheming in the Bible often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit, manipulation, and the pursuit of selfish goals. Throughout Scripture, various individuals and groups engage in schemes that ultimately reveal the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine intervention and guidance.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of scheming is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, schemes to deceive his father Isaac and steal the blessing meant for his brother Esau. Genesis 27:35 records Isaac's words to Esau: "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." This act of deception leads to family strife and long-term consequences for Jacob.

2. Joseph's Brothers: The sons of Jacob, driven by jealousy, scheme against their brother Joseph. They plot to kill him but ultimately sell him into slavery. Genesis 37:18-20 describes their plan: "When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him from a distance. And before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits.'"

3. Absalom's Conspiracy: Absalom, the son of King David, schemes to usurp the throne of Israel. He gains favor with the people through deceitful means, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15:4-6 : "And Absalom would add, 'If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.' And whenever someone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. So he stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

New Testament Examples

1. The Pharisees and Jesus: The religious leaders of Jesus' time frequently schemed against Him, seeking to trap Him in His words and ultimately to put Him to death. Matthew 22:15 states, "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words." Their schemes culminate in the crucifixion of Jesus, an event that, while intended for evil, fulfills God's redemptive plan.

2. Judas Iscariot: Judas, one of the twelve disciples, schemes to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-16 recounts, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

Theological Implications

Scheming in the Bible is often portrayed as an expression of human sinfulness and rebellion against God's will. It reflects a reliance on human cunning rather than trust in divine providence. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a heart that devises wicked schemes" among the things the Lord hates, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers of such behavior.

The biblical narrative consistently shows that while human beings may devise schemes, God's sovereign purposes ultimately prevail. As Proverbs 19:21 declares, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This underscores the futility of schemes that oppose God's will and the assurance that His plans will be accomplished despite human machinations.(imp. & p. p.) of Scheme.2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 4), plotted (1), pondered (1), purposed (3), reckoned (10), regard (1), regarded
(8), regards (1), require an accounting (1), scheme (1), schemed (1), seem (1 ...
/hebrew/2803.htm - 6k

2161. zamam -- to consider, purpose, devise
... root Definition to consider, purpose, devise NASB Word Usage considers (1), intended
(1), plots (1), plotted (1), purpose (1), purposed (7), schemed (1). ...
/hebrew/2161.htm - 6k

Prayer Answered by Crosses.
... Yea more, with his own hand he seemed. Intent to aggravate my woe; Crossed all
the fair designs I schemed,. Blasted my gourds, and laid me low. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 36 prayer answered by.htm

The Bishop at Work
... William, his brother, also a knight, but of Hardredeshill, was the heir to the estate.
Dame Agnes detested William and schemed to disappoint him. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

The Church and the Heathen
... But the rulers of neighbouring lands, notably Conrad, Duke of Masovia, which lay
just to the south, schemed to turn these converted Prussians into political ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiv the church and.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... There have been those who have schemed deep and long to throw the blame on others,
even to the injury of their reputation, to escape the odium of their own ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two coverings and two consequences.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... There have been those who have schemed deep and long to throw the blame on others,
even to the injury of their reputation, to escape the odium of their own ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/two coverings and two consequences.htm

Reception Christ Met With.
... He tells how the leaders strove to entangle Him and find Him at fault; how they
took up stones to stone Him; how they schemed and plotted, and at length ...
/.../ii reception christ met with.htm

The Note of Idealism.
... history. Of this so greatly desired time have they dreamed. To bring it
in they have schemed and laboured, bled and died. They have ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii the note of.htm

Schemed (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Schemed (3 Occurrences). John 11:53 So from that day forward
they planned and schemed in order to put Him to death. (WEY). ...
/s/schemed.htm - 7k

Scheme (10 Occurrences)

/s/scheme.htm - 9k

Planned (34 Occurrences)
... away secretly. (See NAS). John 11:53 So from that day forward they planned
and schemed in order to put Him to death. (WEY NAS). John ...
/p/planned.htm - 16k

Schemer (2 Occurrences)

/s/schemer.htm - 6k

Order (809 Occurrences)
... children of God. (WEY NAS). John 11:53 So from that day forward they planned
and schemed in order to put Him to death. (WEY). John 12 ...
/o/order.htm - 48k

Who was responsible for Christ's death? Who killed Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Schemed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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