The term "refusest" is an archaic form of the word "refuse," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often highlighting themes of disobedience, rejection, and the consequences of turning away from God's commands or guidance. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of refusal is illustrated in several passages, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the repercussions of rejecting divine instruction.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, refusal often pertains to the Israelites' disobedience to God's laws and commandments. A notable example is found in Exodus 4:23, where God commands Pharaoh through Moses: "Let My son go, so he may worship Me. But you have refused to let him go, so I will kill your firstborn son." Here, Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites leads to severe consequences, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the seriousness of defying His will.

Another instance is in Proverbs 1:24-25, where wisdom personified speaks: "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction." This passage underscores the folly of rejecting wisdom and the inevitable downfall that follows such refusal.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of refusal is often linked to the rejection of Jesus Christ and His teachings. In Matthew 22:3, Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet: "He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come." This refusal symbolizes the rejection of God's invitation to partake in the kingdom of heaven, highlighting the spiritual peril of ignoring Christ's call.

Additionally, in Acts 7:39, Stephen recounts the history of Israel, saying, "But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt." This reference to the Israelites' refusal to follow Moses serves as a warning against hard-heartedness and the danger of turning away from God's appointed leaders.

Theological Implications

The concept of refusal in the Bible is closely tied to themes of free will, accountability, and the moral responsibility of individuals to respond to God's call. Refusal is often portrayed as a deliberate act of the will, leading to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the blessings that come from aligning one's life with God's purposes.

In a broader theological sense, refusal can be seen as a rejection of God's grace and mercy, which are freely offered to all. The Bible consistently warns against the hardness of heart that leads to refusal, urging believers to remain open and responsive to God's voice.

Practical Application

For believers today, the biblical theme of refusal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring God's guidance and the importance of cultivating a heart that is receptive to His will. It encourages self-examination and a commitment to obedience, recognizing that true freedom and fulfillment are found in submission to God's authority.

Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon.
... the command of the emperors, and dost minister in thine office of deacon, which
thou art forbidden by the emperors to do, and refusest to sacrifice to Zeus ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of.htm

Commandments to Men.
... Or if thou dost not perpetrate such a wicked act, but shakest her off, and refusest
her, in this case thou art not wholly innocent, even though thou art not ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii commandments to men.htm

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
... How many a true Christian would be glad to fill his belly with the morsels
which thou refusest; and do lack that which thou leavest! ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations before dinner and supper.htm

And by this Stratagem it was that I Gradually Got all the Senate ...
... himself and said to him, "Since thou deservest to lose both thine hands for thy
ingratitude to me, be thou thine own executioner, lest, if thou refusest so to ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 34 and by this.htm

Of Bearing Injuries, and who Shall be Approved as Truly Patient
... the victory. Without striving thou canst not win the crown of patience;
if thou wilt not suffer thou refusest to be crowned. But ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xix of bearing injuries.htm

John Chapter xv. 17-19.
... above the head? Thou refusest to be in the body if thou art unwilling to
endure the hatred of the world along with the Head. "If ye ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxvii john chapter xv.htm

To the Saviour.
... Since He deigns to love me. Farewell, thou who choosest. Earth, and heaven refusest,.
Thou wilt tempt in vain; Farewell, sins, nor blind me,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/to the saviour.htm

Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius.
... precepts a model, as it were, of what our life should be, how hardly wouldst thou
thyself resist the course of sin were it not that thou refusest to subserve ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/testimonies of the ancients in.htm

Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, Directing them not to ...
... precepts a model, as it were, of what our life should be, how hardly wouldst thou
thyself resist the sins of men, were it not that thou refusest to subserve ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lx constantines letter to the.htm

Epistle xxix. To Marinianus, Bishop.
... And indeed we know that this device is not thine own; but, when thou refusest not
to listen to those who say incongruous things, thou injurest not only thine ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxix to marinianus bishop.htm

Refusest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Refusest (2 Occurrences). Job 34:33 Shall his
recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou ...
/r/refusest.htm - 6k

Refuses (21 Occurrences)

/r/refuses.htm - 12k

Refuseth (22 Occurrences)

/r/refuseth.htm - 13k

Loathest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Loathest (1 Occurrence). Job 34:33 Shall his
recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou ...
/l/loathest.htm - 6k

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