Definition and Nature:

Self-will and stubbornness are traits characterized by an obstinate adherence to one's own desires and opinions, often in defiance of divine guidance and authority. In the biblical context, these traits are frequently depicted as contrary to the will of God, leading to spiritual and moral downfall.

Biblical Illustrations:

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first act of self-will in the Bible is seen in the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Despite God's clear command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they chose to follow their own desires. This act of self-will resulted in the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin into the world.

2. Cain (Genesis 4:1-16): Cain's stubbornness is evident in his refusal to heed God's warning about sin crouching at his door. Instead of mastering it, Cain allowed his self-will to lead him to murder his brother Abel. This act of defiance resulted in his banishment and a life marked by restlessness and alienation.

3. Pharaoh (Exodus 7-11): The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart is a classic example of stubbornness. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let the Israelites go. His self-will led to the devastation of Egypt through the ten plagues.

4. King Saul (1 Samuel 15): Saul's reign as the first king of Israel was marred by acts of self-will. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Instead, he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. This act of stubbornness led to God's rejection of Saul as king.

5. Jonah (Jonah 1-4): Jonah's initial refusal to go to Nineveh as commanded by God illustrates self-will. His stubbornness led him to flee in the opposite direction, resulting in a storm and his being swallowed by a great fish. Even after delivering God's message to Nineveh, Jonah's self-will is evident in his anger over God's mercy towards the repentant city.

6. The Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 14): The Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, despite God's assurance of victory, is a testament to their stubbornness. Their self-will led them to rebel against Moses and Aaron, resulting in a 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness.

Consequences of Self-Will and Stubbornness:

The Bible consistently portrays self-will and stubbornness as leading to negative consequences. These traits often result in separation from God, loss of divine favor, and personal and communal suffering. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."

Divine Response and Redemption:

Despite the prevalence of self-will and stubbornness, the Bible also highlights God's patience and willingness to forgive. In Ezekiel 18:31-32 , God calls His people to repentance, saying, "Cast away from yourselves all the offenses you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!"

Conclusion:

The biblical narrative underscores the importance of aligning one's will with God's. Through humility, repentance, and obedience, individuals can overcome the destructive tendencies of self-will and stubbornness, finding restoration and peace in their relationship with God.Psalm 32:9
Be you not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn you me, and I shall be turned; for you are the LORD my God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Epistle of St. James
... Wavering or unstable is often illustrated by a sea-simile ... ends, are peacemakers,
not leaders who stir up strife by their pugnacity and stubbornness and thereby ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

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