The term "rebellest" is an archaic form of the word "rebel," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is used to describe acts of defiance against God, His commandments, or His appointed leaders. Rebellion is a significant theme in Scripture, often illustrating the consequences of turning away from divine authority and the resulting judgment.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, rebellion is frequently associated with the Israelites' disobedience to God. The Hebrew word often translated as "rebel" is "מָרָה" (marah), which conveys the idea of bitterness or obstinacy. One of the most notable instances of rebellion is found in the wilderness narratives, where the Israelites repeatedly challenge God's authority and Moses' leadership.

In Numbers 14:9, Joshua and Caleb urge the people not to rebel against the Lord: "Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be our bread. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!" . This plea highlights the connection between rebellion and fear, as well as the assurance of God's presence for those who remain faithful.

The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16 is another significant event. These leaders challenged Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority. The earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, serving as a dramatic demonstration of God's judgment against rebellion.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently addressed the theme of rebellion, calling the people of Israel to repentance. Isaiah 1:2-4 describes the nation as rebellious children: "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: 'I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.' Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him" .

Jeremiah also speaks of rebellion, emphasizing the stubbornness of the people's hearts. In Jeremiah 5:23, he states, "But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away" . The prophets consistently warned that rebellion leads to destruction and exile, yet they also offered hope for restoration if the people would return to God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, rebellion is addressed in the context of spiritual warfare and the rejection of Christ. Jesus Himself faced rebellion from the religious leaders and the people who refused to accept His message. In Luke 19:14, Jesus tells the parable of the ten minas, where the citizens reject the nobleman, saying, "We do not want this man to reign over us" . This reflects the broader rejection of Christ's authority.

The Apostle Paul warns against rebellion in the church, urging believers to submit to God's authority and the leadership He has established. In Romans 13:2, Paul writes, "Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" . This underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting divinely appointed authority.

Theological Implications

Rebellion in the biblical sense is not merely an act of disobedience but a fundamental rejection of God's sovereignty. It is often linked with pride, self-will, and a refusal to submit to God's will. The consequences of rebellion are severe, as it disrupts the relationship between God and His people and leads to spiritual and sometimes physical death.

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to repentance and offers forgiveness to those who turn from their rebellious ways. The theme of rebellion serves as a reminder of the need for humility, obedience, and a heart aligned with God's purposes.

"This Thing is from Me"
... Endure, submit, acquiesce, it is the easiest way, after all; for if thou art a child
of God, and thou rebellest against him, thou wilt have to smart for it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against
me?" 2 Kings 18:19, 20. The officers were conferring ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Fear and Faith
... the wall. 'What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? Now, on whom dost
thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? Now, behold ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and tradition relates that the Assyrian addressed them in severe terms in his master's
name: "Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Rebellest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rebellest (2 Occurrences). 2 ... war. Now on whom dost
thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? (KJV WBS). ...
/r/rebellest.htm - 7k

Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 18:20 Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength
for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? ...
/s/sayest.htm - 26k

Rebelleth (5 Occurrences)

/r/rebelleth.htm - 7k

Rebelled (61 Occurrences)

/r/rebelled.htm - 25k

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