By Rollin Grams, Bible and Mission.
Introduction
The evil people do against others is often mentioned in Scripture, yet one particular type of evil seems to sit in the shadows: betrayal. Betrayal is, however, a theme that emerges in transformative ways with historical significance, coming to a climax in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Old Testament narratives and psalms of betrayal prepare the way for this climactic betrayal of our Saviour. Moreover, they also minister to us in the very real and painful experiences of betrayal.
Betrayal by Persons in Authority
Betrayal can be deeply felt when a trusted person or a person in authority, not necessarily a friend or equal, uses his position to bring one harm. This might be a board member or director of an organisation, or the minister of a church. By such a person’s action or inaction, someone is betrayed. A minister simply takes sides instead of investigating some parishioner’s claims against another or passes judgement on someone without caring for his soul if he is in the wrong. Betrayal by persons in authority is too often also sexual.
A Biblical story of historical significance that includes the betrayal by someone in authority is found in 1 Kings 12. After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam was made king. The people approached him and asked him to lighten their yoke. Solomon’s expansion of the palace and army involved taxes and service from the people. Rehoboam’s response was to betray the people in his care by increasing their burden. As a result, the kingdom divided between the north and the south, and Jeroboam became the king of Judah in the south.
The problem of kings and others in authority betraying the people they were to serve was endemic in Israel. God tells Ezekiel to prophecy against the shepherds of Israel. He asks, ‘Should not shepherds feed the sheep?’ (34.3). God indicts them: ‘The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them’ (v. 4).