Uprisings
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Definition and Context
Uprisings, in the biblical context, refer to instances of rebellion, revolt, or insurrection against established authority. These events often involve groups or individuals challenging the leadership or governance, whether it be political, social, or religious. The Bible records several uprisings, each with its own causes, participants, and outcomes, providing insights into the nature of human disobedience and divine sovereignty.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Rebellion of Korah
One of the most notable uprisings in the Old Testament is the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. This event is recorded in Numbers 16. Korah, a Levite, along with 250 community leaders, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority. The Lord's response was swift and decisive, as the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, demonstrating God's chosen leadership and the consequences of rebellion. Numbers 16:32 states, "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions."

2. Absalom's Revolt
Absalom, the son of King David, led a significant uprising against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. This account is detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom's rebellion was marked by deceit and manipulation, as he won the hearts of the people of Israel and declared himself king in Hebron. Despite his initial success, Absalom's revolt ultimately failed, and he was killed in battle. This uprising highlights the themes of familial strife and the divine right of kingship.

3. Jeroboam's Revolt
After the death of Solomon, Jeroboam led a revolt against Rehoboam, Solomon's son, resulting in the division of the united kingdom into Israel and Judah. This event is chronicled in 1 Kings 12. Jeroboam's uprising was fueled by discontent with Rehoboam's harsh policies, leading to the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel. This division had lasting implications for the history of the Israelites and is seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment on Solomon's idolatry.

New Testament References

1. Barabbas and the Insurrectionists
In the New Testament, Barabbas is mentioned as a notable prisoner involved in an uprising against Roman authority. During the trial of Jesus, the crowd chose to release Barabbas instead of Jesus. Mark 15:7 notes, "And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection." This event underscores the political tensions of the time and the people's preference for a political liberator over the spiritual salvation offered by Christ.

2. The Zealots
The Zealots were a Jewish political movement known for their fervent opposition to Roman rule. While not directly mentioned as leading a specific uprising in the New Testament, their influence and activities are part of the backdrop of the Gospels. One of Jesus' disciples, Simon the Zealot, was associated with this group, indicating the diverse backgrounds of Jesus' followers.

Theological Implications
Uprisings in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for exploring themes of authority, obedience, and divine providence. They illustrate the tension between human ambition and God's sovereign plan. The biblical narrative consistently affirms that while human leaders may rise and fall, God's purposes prevail. Rebellion against divinely appointed authority is portrayed as ultimately futile, as seen in the outcomes of these uprisings. The Bible calls believers to respect and submit to authority, as emphasized in passages like Romans 13:1 : "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."
Library

The Agony in the Garden. (Matt. , xxvi. ; Mark, xiv. ; Luke, xxii. ...
... [760]. As a proof how little the higher calmness of his spirit was disturbed by
these uprisings of human feeling, we find him, a moment after the first struggle ...
/.../section 280 the agony in.htm

Note on the Messalians or Massalians.
... when it was expelled, the Holy Spirit descended and gave visible and sensible marks
of his presence, and delivered the body from all the uprisings of passion ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/note on the messalians or.htm

The Cross the victory and Defeat of Darkness
... influences, and moulded by the overarching and sovereign will, and on the other
side it is all honeycombed beneath with, and open to, the uprisings of evil ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the cross the victory and.htm

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
... commenting on this paragraph, takes the pains to enumerate three threats of war
made against the Jews by as many Roman emperors and three uprisings of Gentiles ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxiii destruction of jerusalem foretold.htm

Letter Lxx. To Magnus an Orator of Rome.
... 2158] of Bardesanes, [2159] of Iren??us [2160] successor to the martyr Pothinus;
[2161] all of whom have in many volumes explained the uprisings of the several ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxx to magnus an.htm

Indwelling Sin
... Ah, soldiers of Jesus, ye have felt"I know ye have felt the uprisings of corruption,
for ye know the Lord in sincerity and in truth; and ye dare not, unless ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/indwelling sin.htm

The Destruction of the Churches.
... 6, 8, the edict commanding the church officers to be seized and thrown into prison
followed popular uprisings in Melitene and Syria, and if Eusebius is correct ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii the destruction of the.htm

The Presence of God.
... Are you not sometimes conscious of the uprisings in you of a spirit calling upon
you to recognise the angels' ladder that connects your life also with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/x the presence of god.htm

Questions and Answers
... They are glad that grace has found their heart, but they want a clean heart"one
that is free from those conscious uprisings of evil which, if unrestrained ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm

'Strong Crying and Tears'
... We too may, by the same means, win partial victories over self, which may
be interrupted by uprisings of flesh; but let us persevere. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/strong crying and tears.htm

Thesaurus
Uprisings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Uprisings (1 Occurrence). Luke 21:9 and when ye
may hear of wars and uprisings, be not terrified, for it ...
/u/uprisings.htm - 6k

Uproar (33 Occurrences)

/u/uproar.htm - 16k

Uprising (4 Occurrences)

/u/uprising.htm - 7k

Behoveth (75 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:9 and when ye may hear of wars and uprisings, be not terrified, for it behoveth
these things to happen first, but the end 'is' not immediately.' (YLT). ...
/b/behoveth.htm - 27k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... names, for instance, at different periods of the history of Israel, by comparing
the number of these names found in a record of political uprisings in the army ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

Names (133 Occurrences)
... names, for instance, at different periods of the history of Israel, by comparing
the number of these names found in a record of political uprisings in the army ...
/n/names.htm - 101k

Resources
Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Galileans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Uprisings (1 Occurrence)

Luke 21:9
and when ye may hear of wars and uprisings, be not terrified, for it behoveth these things to happen first, but the end 'is' not immediately.'
(YLT)

Subtopics

Uprisings

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Christs (2 Occurrences)

Commotion (15 Occurrences)

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Uprising
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