What does Deuteronomy 11:6 teach about the consequences of rebelling against God’s authority? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 11 calls Israel to remember how God dealt with past disobedience so they will obey Him in the future. Verse 6 points back to the shocking judgment on Dathan and Abiram, reminding the people that rebellion against God-appointed authority carries real, devastating consequences. What the Verse Says “what He did to Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that followed them, in all Israel.” (Deuteronomy 11:6) Key Observations from the Event • The rebels were leaders: Numbers 16 shows Dathan and Abiram joined Korah in challenging Moses’ God-given authority. • Judgment was sudden and unmistakable: “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them” (Numbers 16:31-33). • The fallout was total: households, tents, and “every living thing that followed them” disappeared, underscoring how rebellion harms not only the ringleaders but anyone aligned with them. • God’s action was public: “in all Israel,” so the community would fear and avoid similar defiance (Numbers 16:34). Timeless Principles about Rebellion • God takes personal offense at defiance of the authorities He establishes (Romans 13:1-2). • Rebellion invites God’s direct intervention; consequences may be immediate or eventual, but they are certain (Hebrews 12:25). • Sin spreads: when leaders rebel, those under their influence are endangered (2 Samuel 24:17). • God’s justice is precise: He distinguishes between faithful and rebellious, rewarding obedience and punishing defiance (Malachi 3:18). New Testament Echoes • “Woe to them! They have walked in the way of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.” (Jude 1:11) – Jude recalls the same episode as a warning to New-Covenant believers. • “Now these things took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did.” (1 Corinthians 10:6) – Paul reinforces that Old Testament judgments remain instructive for the church today. Personal Takeaways • Honor God-appointed leadership—whether in church, home, or society—because respect for His order is respect for Him. • Recognize the cost of rebellion: it threatens families, communities, and future generations. • Let the fear of the Lord produce grateful obedience; God’s judgments are both righteous and protective. |
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