The concept of a "plot to kill" is a recurring theme in the Bible, often highlighting the conflict between good and evil, the struggle for power, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. These plots are typically characterized by deceit, betrayal, and the intention to thwart God's plans or harm His chosen servants. Below are some notable instances of plots to kill as recorded in the Scriptures:

1. Cain and Abel: The first recorded murder in the Bible is the result of a plot by Cain against his brother Abel. Driven by jealousy and anger, Cain lures Abel into the field and kills him. This act of fratricide is a profound example of sin's entrance into the world and the destructive power of envy. Genesis 4:8 states, "Then Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him."

2. Joseph's Brothers: Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, becomes the target of his brothers' jealousy. Initially plotting to kill him, they ultimately decide to sell him into slavery. This plot, though intended for harm, is used by God to position Joseph in Egypt, where he later saves his family from famine. Genesis 37:18-20 recounts, "When Joseph’s brothers saw him in the 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. Saul and David: King Saul's jealousy of David leads him to repeatedly plot to kill the young shepherd who had been anointed as his successor. Despite Saul's attempts, David is protected by God and ultimately becomes king. 1 Samuel 19:1 notes, "Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David."

4. Haman's Plot Against the Jews: In the book of Esther, Haman, an advisor to King Xerxes, plots to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. His plan is thwarted by Queen Esther, who courageously reveals her Jewish identity and intercedes for her people. Esther 3:6 describes Haman's intent: "And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes."

5. The Plot Against Jesus: The most significant plot to kill in the New Testament is the conspiracy to put Jesus Christ to death. Religious leaders, threatened by His teachings and growing influence, conspire to arrest and crucify Him. This plot, however, fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity. Matthew 26:3-4 records, "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."

6. Paul's Assassination Plot: The Apostle Paul, a fervent preacher of the Gospel, faces numerous plots against his life. One such plot occurs in Jerusalem, where more than forty Jews vow not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Acts 23:12-13 states, "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."

These biblical narratives of plots to kill serve as reminders of the persistent presence of evil in the world and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who works through human actions to accomplish His divine purposes.