Topical Bible: Children: Often Wicked and Rebellious

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In the biblical narrative, children are frequently depicted as blessings from God, yet they are also portrayed as having the potential for wickedness and rebellion. This duality reflects the broader human condition of sinfulness and the need for divine guidance and correction.

Biblical Instances of Rebellion

The Bible provides several examples of children who exhibit rebellious behavior, often leading to significant consequences. One of the most notable instances is the account of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who are described as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their actions, which included desecrating the sacrifices and engaging in immoral behavior, ultimately led to their downfall and the judgment of God upon Eli's household.

Another example is Absalom, the son of King David, who rebelled against his father. Absalom's rebellion is detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18, where he conspires to overthrow David and seize the throne. His actions not only caused turmoil within the kingdom but also led to his untimely death, illustrating the destructive nature of rebellion against parental and divine authority.

The Nature of Sin and Rebellion

The Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature, a concept that extends to children. Proverbs 22:15 states, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him" . This verse highlights the inherent tendency towards foolishness and rebellion in children, emphasizing the need for discipline and correction.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 6:1-3, where he instructs children to "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth'" . This passage underscores the importance of obedience and respect for parental authority as a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Parental Responsibility and Discipline

The Bible places a significant emphasis on the role of parents in guiding and disciplining their children. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently" . This proverb suggests that loving discipline is essential for correcting rebellious behavior and instilling wisdom.

Furthermore, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to diligently teach their children the commandments of God: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" . This passage highlights the importance of consistent and intentional instruction in the ways of the Lord as a means of countering the natural inclination towards rebellion.

Hope for Redemption

Despite the tendency towards wickedness and rebellion, the Bible offers hope for redemption and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. In Mark 10:14, Jesus emphasizes the value of children, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" . This invitation reflects the grace and mercy available to all, regardless of age, and the potential for children to grow in righteousness through a relationship with Christ.

Ultimately, the biblical portrayal of children as often wicked and rebellious serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of divine intervention and parental guidance in nurturing a godly character.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:23
And he went up from there to Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said to him, Go up, you bald head; go up, you bald head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Spake to them of the Father
... A savage father might, or a wicked father; but ... possibility, ever have an anxious
or rebellious thought again ... to give good things to our children, often far more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm

Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ...
... people according to the number of the children of Israel ... and stiff-necked people
(Deut.9:6). Often, also, do ... ignoble body, nay, even to the wicked and rebellious ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 21 of the eternal.htm

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... 19:8, Deuteronomy 5:27,) ye would call them children. ... Now, therefore, since ye have
so often tried it, I ... own hearts, for they are desperately wicked, so wicked ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... Then, I fear, that too often good resolutions prove to ... due time and leaves the sand
for children to play ... thy father, as compared with the wicked and rebellious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Towards the wicked God's wrath is kindled (Psalm 2:12). ... Often times we come with
broken prayers, but if we are children, God spells out our meaning and ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Christian Rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment.
... of his, on which your soul has so often rested with ... consequences of which the dearest
of his children cannot be ... in the sentence he shall pass on wicked men and ...
/.../chapter xxix the christian rejoicing.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... They are often, indeed, thrown into alarm, but never so ... also by our Saviour, with
the children of the ... verse 9), he certainly contrasts a wicked and rebellious ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Destruction and Help
... its end mainly this"to convince His wandering children that to ... of all is the attitude
which we often take up ... no pleasure in the death of the wicked'; and His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/destruction and help.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... of God's presence""Thou God seeth me." The wicked forget God ... These he had doubtless
often reproved. ... head of a nation, numbers of which were children of Belial ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... where will such monstrous profane and wicked governors appear ... neglect even that)
but then how often do they ... wish for honest servants, and pious children: and to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm