Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the consequences faced by individuals and nations who defy divine authority. This rebellion is often characterized by disobedience, idolatry, and a refusal to adhere to God's commandments. The Bible provides numerous accounts of those who have been brought low due to their rebellion, serving as cautionary tales for believers.

Old Testament Examples

1. Adam and Eve: The first act of rebellion is found in Genesis, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, they are expelled from the Garden of Eden, experiencing spiritual and physical death. Genesis 3:23-24 states, "So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. And He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life."

2. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites frequently rebelled against God during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their lack of faith and disobedience led to a prolonged wandering in the wilderness. Numbers 14:33 records, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and bear the brunt of your unfaithfulness until your bodies lie scattered in the wilderness."

3. Korah's Rebellion: In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. As a consequence, the earth opened up and swallowed them, demonstrating God's judgment against rebellion. Numbers 16:32-33 states, "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned; the earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly."

4. King Saul: Saul, the first king of Israel, repeatedly disobeyed God's commands, leading to his downfall. His rebellion culminated in the loss of his kingdom and his eventual death. 1 Samuel 15:23 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."

New Testament Insights

1. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders: The New Testament highlights the rebellion of the Pharisees and religious leaders who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Their refusal to accept His teachings and authority led to spiritual blindness and judgment. Matthew 23:13 warns, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter."

2. Judas Iscariot: Judas, one of the twelve disciples, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, an act of rebellion that led to his tragic end. Matthew 27:5 recounts, "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself."

Theological Implications

Rebellion against God is fundamentally a rejection of His sovereignty and authority. It is often rooted in pride, self-will, and a desire for autonomy. The Bible consistently portrays rebellion as leading to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin. Those who rebel against God are brought low, experiencing the consequences of their actions as a demonstration of divine justice. The scriptural accounts serve as a warning to all believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's will, recognizing His ultimate authority over all creation.Psalm 107:11,12
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Carnal Mind Enmity against God
... it is not rebellious, it is rebellion; it is ... specimens of what men could write, when
they have been ... the doctrine that "the carnal mind is enmity against God?". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the carnal mind enmity against.htm

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ...
... may behold the black visage of rebellion in the ... in the heart, that can keep out against
the weapons of ... and delighteth in that righteousness of God revealed in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi the carnal mind.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... is guilt deserving condemnation, and rebellion demanding, punishment ... that has been
very obstinate against God, even to ... that the time in which God reveals his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee ... in the desolate
earth, to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee ... fro in the desolate
earth to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Of Sin by Imputation and Propagation.
... First, There was in it an open banner displayed against God. ... it but the ugly face
of disobedience and rebellion, (ver.19 ... true God, and yet would be a god itself ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiv of sin by.htm

On Trusting in the Mercy of God.
... Will God pardon the sinner while yet in his rebellion? Never. ... But no, the sinner
pleads against it"cavils, runs, fights ... when they saw the Son of God made flesh ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/ii on trusting in the.htm

Christian Conversation
... their camp, and how those that have risen up in rebellion against God have found
his ... God does not put his candles in lanterns through which they cannot be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/christian conversation.htm

Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit
... representations of that confusion and rebellion which sprung ... against Christ, you
are fighting against yourselves. ... works to recommend you to God, they will not ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only preservative against.htm

A Threefold Disease and a Twofold Cure.
... the straight road, and we are all guilty of that. ... halls, they were as hungry as before
they sat at ... sin is, however little we think it, a rebellion against God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a threefold disease and a.htm

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

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Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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