Topical Bible: Children: Rebellious, Punished by the Civil Power

◄ Children: Rebellious, Punished by the Civil Power ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the issue of rebellious children and their punishment by civil authorities is addressed with seriousness, reflecting the importance of maintaining order and respect within the family and society. The Bible emphasizes the significance of honoring one's parents and the consequences of failing to do so.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides clear directives regarding the behavior of children and the repercussions of rebellion. In the Mosaic Law, the family unit is foundational to the community's stability, and children are expected to honor and obey their parents. The Book of Deuteronomy outlines specific instructions for dealing with a persistently rebellious son:

"If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother, and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his city. They are to say to the elders, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid" (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).

This passage underscores the gravity of rebellion and the role of the community in upholding divine law. The severe punishment reflects the need to deter such behavior and maintain societal order.

The Role of Authority

The Bible acknowledges the role of civil authorities in enforcing laws and maintaining order. Romans 13:1-4 highlights the divine establishment of governing authorities and their role as agents of justice:

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:1-4).

This passage reinforces the concept that civil authorities are divinely sanctioned to punish wrongdoing, including rebellion, to preserve peace and justice.

Parental Responsibility and Discipline

While the civil power has a role in addressing rebellion, the Bible also places significant responsibility on parents to discipline their children. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently" . This proverb highlights the importance of parental discipline as an expression of love and a means to guide children away from rebellious paths.

Proverbs 22:6 further emphasizes the role of parents in shaping their children's character: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This training involves teaching respect for authority and adherence to God's commandments.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on rebellious children and their punishment by civil power reflects a broader theological and moral framework that values order, respect, and the proper functioning of the family and society. Through both divine law and parental guidance, the Bible seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and reverence for authority in the hearts of the young.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 21:15-17
And he that smites his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 21:18-21
If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not listen to them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Death of Moses
... top, never to return; and the children of Israel ... know of him is, that he is punished
for a ... lawless, sensual race, stiffnecked and rebellious, always resisting ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xviii the death of.htm

The Religious Revolution
... of Saxony for help against the rebellious monk ... published two catechisms for the
instruction of the children. ... abolished no one should be punished for celebrating ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

On Trusting in the Mercy of God.
... murdered a score of defenseless women and children; burns down ... and showing mercy
to His own rebellious creatures ... mercy who yet profess to be punished for their ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/ii on trusting in the.htm

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands ... law, submission would consist in
willingness to be punished. ... that is possible with a rebellious subject, If he ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/submit yourselves therefore to god.htm

Christian Meekness
... They who were in heat of revenge were punished suitably with fire ... the time to come
for ever and ever; that this is a rebellious people, children that will ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The First Book
... was due to his mercy; that he finally punished them, to ... For as often as he smote
the rebellious Egyptians, so ... we ourselves, who say that the children of Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... They must be punished without mercy ... earth, live to see blessing and prosperity upon
their children's children. ... name as if he had been a rebellious, accursed man ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Life of Mr. John Knox.
... madam, if princes will murder the children of God ... and women; and that God justly
punished Ahab and ... threatenings of God's word against such as were rebellious. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... the pious and devout patriarchs, [2145] disquiets a rebellious people by ... and bitter
is felt by her children at her ... evil, than that you should be punished for a ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... as Christians, they were supposed to be punished as heretics ... to be fulfilled: so
that the rebellious should not ... that though the number of the children of Israel ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm