Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often manifested through the rejection of divinely appointed leaders and authorities. This rebellion is not merely a political or social act but is seen as a spiritual defiance against God's established order.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible establishes that all authority is instituted by God. Romans 13:1 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This verse underscores the belief that rebellion against earthly authorities is tantamount to rebellion against God Himself.

Old Testament Examples

1. Korah's Rebellion: One of the most notable examples of rebellion against God's appointed leaders is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16:3 records their challenge: "They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, 'You have gone too far! All the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?'" This rebellion was not just against Moses and Aaron but against God's chosen leadership, resulting in severe divine judgment (Numbers 16:31-35).

2. Saul's Disobedience: King Saul's failure to fully obey God's commands through the prophet Samuel is another instance of rebellion. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , Samuel declares, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's partial obedience and self-will were seen as rebellion against God's authority.

New Testament Insights

1. Rejection of Jesus: The ultimate act of rebellion against God's appointed leader is seen in the rejection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." The religious leaders' refusal to accept Jesus as the Son of God and their subsequent actions leading to His crucifixion exemplify the rejection of divine authority.

2. Rebellion Against Apostolic Authority: The New Testament also records instances of rebellion against the apostles, who were appointed by Christ to lead the early church. In 3 John 1:9-10 , the apostle John writes about Diotrephes, who "loves to be first" and refuses to acknowledge apostolic authority, thereby disrupting the order established by God.

Theological Implications

Rebellion against God-appointed leaders is seen as a serious offense because it challenges God's sovereignty and order. It reflects a heart of pride and self-will, which are contrary to the humility and submission that God desires from His people. Hebrews 13:17 exhorts believers, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Practical Application

Believers are called to respect and submit to authorities, recognizing that God, in His wisdom, has established them for the good of society and the church. This submission is not blind allegiance but is rooted in a trust in God's sovereign plan and a commitment to His commandments. When earthly authorities contradict God's laws, believers must prioritize obedience to God while maintaining a respectful and prayerful attitude towards those in leadership.Joshua 1:18
Whoever he be that does rebel against your commandment, and will not listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting a Duty.
... It reproves the rebellion of those who would worship the ... the Creator, and is directed
alike against the polytheist ... fact that vowing and swearing to God are a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Covenant Duties.
... his people;"the Holy Ghost is exhibited as given ... air," and cannot be countenanced
without rebellion against Him who is ... there may be that fear God among those ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Of Civil Government.
... Lord." Again, "An evil man seeketh only rebellion, therefore an ... that he was so ordained
of God, that, being defended by his hand and aid against the dishonesty ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... the darkness of the mind, and conquered the rebellion of the ... defending the honour
of their Goddess Diana against the claims of the living God, to be the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

Justinian.
... of ambassador from the Gothic king Theodatus, exhibited that belief ... the Rock on which
the City of God rested? ... he wished to set his refusal against the pressure ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... deposited under the guardianship of the god, and the ... mentioned in Ctesias between
the war against the sons ... part of 463, and the Egyptian rebellion which broke ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... already fixed when the Medes rose in rebellion against Assur-bani ... and which the Magi
offered to the god of the ... 558 BC,* and that he revolted against Astyages in ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... And the governors and the officials subject to them ... filled with the Spirit of God,
decreed should ... the province presume to receive him against this prohibition ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... sustenance." But the most pious penetration is exhibited in the ... it is, if not point
blank against, yet without ... the word, not by doing what God commands, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The suppression of the rebellion was as vindictive as ... An expedition, sent against
Milukhkha* in 675 BC ... his hateful presence even prevented the god Shamash from ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say to do with a rebellious child? | GotQuestions.org

Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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