In the context of the Bible, the term "insurgents" refers to individuals or groups who rise in active revolt against established authority, often in a political or military sense. While the Bible does not use the term "insurgents" explicitly, it does describe various instances of rebellion and insurrection against both divine and human authority.

Old Testament Examples

1. Korah's Rebellion: One of the most notable examples of insurrection in the Old Testament is the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. This event is recorded in Numbers 16. Korah, along with 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged the leadership of Moses, questioning his authority as God's chosen leader. The Lord's response was swift and decisive, as the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, demonstrating God's disapproval of their insurrection (Numbers 16:31-33).

2. Absalom's Revolt: Another significant instance of rebellion is the revolt led by Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom conspired to overthrow his father and seize the throne of Israel. This insurrection is detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom's rebellion ultimately failed, resulting in his death and the restoration of David's rule. This narrative highlights the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king.

3. Sheba's Revolt: Following Absalom's rebellion, another insurrection arose under the leadership of Sheba, a Benjamite. Sheba sought to divide the kingdom by leading a revolt against David. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 20. Joab, David's military commander, pursued Sheba and quelled the rebellion, demonstrating the futility of insurgency against God's chosen leadership.

New Testament Context

1. Barabbas: In the New Testament, Barabbas is identified as an insurgent. During the trial of Jesus, the crowd was given a choice to release either Jesus or Barabbas, who had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7). The people chose to release Barabbas, highlighting the tension between political rebellion and the spiritual kingdom Jesus proclaimed.

2. Zealots: The Zealots were a Jewish political movement in the first century known for their fervent opposition to Roman rule. While not directly mentioned as "insurgents" in the Bible, their actions and ideology align with the concept of insurrection. One of Jesus' disciples, Simon the Zealot, was associated with this group (Luke 6:15), indicating the diverse backgrounds of those who followed Christ.

Theological Implications

The Bible consistently portrays rebellion against God-ordained authority as contrary to divine will. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, as they are established by God. Insurrection, therefore, is seen as an act of defiance not only against human leaders but ultimately against God Himself.

Throughout Scripture, the consequences of rebellion serve as a warning to those who would challenge divine order. The narratives of Korah, Absalom, and others illustrate the futility and destructive nature of insurgency. In contrast, the Bible calls for submission, peace, and trust in God's sovereign plan, even amidst unjust or oppressive circumstances.

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... The people rushed upon the insurgents, wrested their arms from them, and slew many
of them. The insurgents finding themselves overpowered attempted to flee. ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

King Herod's Enrollment
... But it was absolutely necessary to prevent insurrection, which was likely to
make Augustus quite as angry with him as with the insurgents. ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 9 king herods enrollment.htm

Question Agitated in Egypt, as to Whether God Has a Corporeal Form ...
... Theophilus, however, presented himself to the insurgents forthwith, and said to
them, "When I look upon you, it is as if I beheld the face of God." This ...
/.../chapter xi question agitated in egypt.htm

High Priests of Rome and of Constantinople; Restoration of Paul ...
... with open resistance, and while the soldiers, in order to carry out the orders they
had received, attempted still greater violence, the insurgents entered the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter vii high priests of rome.htm

Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ...
... themselves in an open plain, which had the solitary advantage of accommodation in
barracks, while they left the arsenal in the hands of the insurgents. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xix visit to cities.htm

The Kingdom Conquering
... They appear as gallant insurgents, or guerrilla leaders, rather than as grave
administrators of justice or the regular authorities of a great kingdom." Copy in ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iii the kingdom conquering.htm

David's Hymn of victory
... to God alone. The strength that he put forth was God's gift. It was God
who subdued the insurgents, not David. The panic which made ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids hymn of victory.htm

The Agony, and the Consoler
... vast Pr??torium, where the battered fragments of statues and the signs of violent
damage bore silent but eloquent testimony to the ferocity of the insurgents. ...
/.../chapter iii the agony and.htm

The King.
... inheritance should end. He sends grateful messages to Jabesh-Gilead; he
will not begin the conflict with the insurgents. The only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

A Short Confession of Faith
... His subjects in his little territory rebel, and he has no power to subdue the
insurgents, but he can send a message to the capital, and get the army of the king ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a short confession of faith.htm

Insurgents (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Insurgents (1 Occurrence). Mark 15:7 and at this
time a man named Barabbas was in prison among the insurgents...
/i/insurgents.htm - 6k

Insurrection (8 Occurrences)

/i/insurrection.htm - 9k

Insults (34 Occurrences)

/i/insults.htm - 15k

Persons (156 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:7 and at this time a man named Barabbas was in prison among the
insurgents--persons who in the insurrection had committed murder. (WEY). ...
/p/persons.htm - 38k

Prison (131 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:7 and at this time a man named Barabbas was in prison among the
insurgents--persons who in the insurrection had committed murder. (WEY BBE NAS RSV ...
/p/prison.htm - 52k

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