Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "rebels" often refers to individuals or groups who resist or defy authority, particularly the authority of God or His appointed leaders. Rebellion is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the consequences of turning away from divine commandments and the established order.
Old Testament Instances1.
Adam and Eve: The first act of rebellion in the Bible is found in
Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of defiance brought sin and death into the world, altering the course of human history.
2.
The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites frequently rebelled against God during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In
Numbers 14:9, Joshua and Caleb urge the people, "Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be our bread. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!" Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the Israelites' repeated rebellions led to severe consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for forty years.
3.
Korah's Rebellion: In
Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership. This rebellion was met with divine judgment, as the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, demonstrating God's intolerance for insubordination against His chosen leaders.
4.
King Saul: Saul, the first king of Israel, is another example of rebellion. His disobedience to God's commands, such as sparing King Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock (1 Samuel 15), led to his rejection as king. Samuel rebuked Saul, saying, "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" (
1 Samuel 15:23).
New Testament Insights1.
The Parable of the Tenants: In
Matthew 21:33-46, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants, who rebel against the landowner by mistreating and killing his servants and son. This parable illustrates the rebellion of the religious leaders against God and His messengers, ultimately leading to their judgment.
2.
The Prodigal Son: In
Luke 15:11-32, the younger son rebels against his father by demanding his inheritance and squandering it in a distant land. His eventual repentance and return highlight God's grace and willingness to forgive those who turn back to Him.
3.
The Rebellion of Humanity: The New Testament also speaks of a future rebellion against God. In
2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul warns, "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed." This eschatological rebellion is associated with the end times and the rise of the Antichrist.
Theological ImplicationsRebellion in the Bible is often equated with sin and is seen as a rejection of God's authority and order. It is portrayed as a serious offense that leads to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. The biblical narrative consistently calls for submission to God's will and the authorities He establishes, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness.
Rebellion and RedemptionDespite the prevalence of rebellion, the Bible also offers a message of hope and redemption. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be reconciled to God, overcoming the rebellious nature inherent in humanity. The account of the prodigal son serves as a powerful reminder of God's readiness to forgive and restore those who return to Him with a contrite heart.
Strong's Hebrew
4775. marad -- to rebel... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to rebel NASB Word Usage rebel (8), rebelled
(14), rebelling (1), rebellious (1),
rebels (1). rebellious.
...4805. meri -- rebellion
... Word Origin from marah Definition rebellion NASB Word Usage rebellion (3), rebellious
(16), rebellious man (1), rebellious ones (1),rebels (1)....
5637. sarar -- stubborn or rebellious
... Word Origin a prim. root. Definition stubborn or rebellious NASB Word Usage rebellious
(6),rebels (2), stubborn (8), stubbornly rebellious (1)....
4784. marah -- to be contentious or rebellious
... Word Usage became disobedient (1), bitter (1), disobedient (1), disobeyed (2),
provocation (1), rebel (6), rebelled (18), rebellious (12),rebels (2), very...
Library
Knox's Intrigues, and his Account of Them, 1559
... The position of the Congregation was therefore essentially that ofrebels, and,
in the state of opinion at the period, to berebels was to be self-condemned....
I am Told, to Take Another Point, that one of his Followers...
... We are not like some, who, despising all humility, are eager to buy the episcopate
with gold; nor do we wish, with the minds ofrebels, to suppress the Pontiff...
A Loyal Vow
... They were loyal amongstrebels, so many Abdiels, 'among the faithless, faithful
only' these, and they avowed their determination to cleave to the sovereign of...
Early Missionary Experiences
... A band ofrebels, known as the "Red Turbans," had taken possession of the native
city, against which was encamped an Imperial army of from forty to fifty...
With the Rev. William Burns
... The great city of Nan-king had fallen before the invading host; and there, within
two hundred miles of Shanghai, therebels had established their headquarters...
A Call to Backsliders
... second time; what must be the case of him that, after having been freely pardoned
for rebelling against the great King of heaven and earth,rebels against him...
Laws of the Kingdom
... passage falls into two parts"the description of the subjects of the kingdom and
their blessedness, contrasted with the character of therebels; and the...
Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Such a child strips himself of his nobility of birth; for he whorebels against
his father is no longer a son; and if he whorebels against his father is not a...
How Shall I Put Thee among the Children? Jer 3:19
... And can such sinners be restored,. Suchrebels reconciled? Can grace itself the
means afford.... Redeemed, and saved, by grace.Rebels, in God's own house obtain....
Preaching under Difficulties
... On Friday and Saturday many messengers of lies terrified the poor people of the
town, as if therebels were just coming to swallow them up....
Thesaurus
Rebels (20 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rebels (20 Occurrences). Mark 15:7 There was one
called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection
...Rebel (35 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) Pertaining torebels or rebellion; acting in
revolt; rebellious; as, rebel troops. 2. (n.) One whorebels....
Rebellious (63 Occurrences)
... (a.) Disposed to rebel; insubordinate; defiant; of the nature ofrebels or of
rebellion; resisting government or lawful authority by force....
Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... 3.Rebels against His Father: Absalom, again reinstated, lost no opportunity to
regain lost prestige, and having his mind made up to succeed his father upon...
Aaron (343 Occurrences)
... 5.Rebels Against Moses: After the departure of Israel from Sinai, Aaron joined
his sister Miriam in a protest against the authority of Moses (Numbers 12...
Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... the city, taking with them their two sons, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, and Jonathan
the son of Abiathar, to act as spies upon the conduct of therebels and send...
Transgressing (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 20:38 And cleared out from you therebels, And them transgressing against
Me, From the land of their sojournings I bring them out, And unto the land of...
Rebelling (4 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore the man whorebels against his ruler is resisting God's will;
and those who thus resist will bring punishment upon themselves. (See NIV)....
Resisting (4 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore the man whorebels against his ruler is resisting God's will;
and those who thus resist will bring punishment upon themselves. (WEY YLT)....
Rebelliously (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Why can't I stop sinning? Please help! | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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