Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Rejection, in a biblical context, refers to the act of dismissing, refusing, or not accepting someone or something. It is a theme that appears throughout Scripture, often highlighting the human experience of being rejected by others, as well as the spiritual implications of rejecting God and His commandments. Old Testament Instances: Rejection is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with the Israelites' relationship with God. The Israelites frequently rejected God's laws and commandments, leading to consequences such as exile and suffering. In 1 Samuel 8:7, God tells Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." This passage illustrates the spiritual dimension of rejection, where the people's desire for a human king signifies their rejection of God's direct rule. The prophets also faced rejection as they delivered God's messages. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," experienced significant rejection from his own people. In Jeremiah 6:10, he laments, "To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it." New Testament Instances: In the New Testament, rejection is most poignantly seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Despite His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus was rejected by many, including the religious leaders of His time. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This rejection culminated in His crucifixion, an event that was both a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of humanity's rejection of God's redemptive plan. The apostles also faced rejection as they spread the Gospel. In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas respond to the rejection by the Jews in Antioch by saying, "It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles." Theological Implications: Rejection in the Bible often serves as a warning against the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. It underscores the importance of accepting God's word and His messengers. Hebrews 12:25 cautions, "See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?" Personal and Spiritual Reflection: Believers are encouraged to find solace in the fact that Jesus Himself experienced rejection and can empathize with those who face similar trials. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Furthermore, Christians are called to respond to rejection with love and perseverance, following the example of Christ. Romans 12:14 advises, "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." Conclusion: Rejection, while painful, is an integral part of the biblical narrative, offering lessons on faithfulness, perseverance, and the importance of accepting God's truth. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Jesus, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of rejection. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Act of rejecting, or state of being rejected.Greek 580. apobole -- a throwing away, rejection ... a throwing away, rejection. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apobole Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ob-ol-ay') Short Definition: a casting away, rejection ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/580.htm - 6k 557. apelegmos -- refutation, ie by impl. contempt 1692. emeo -- to vomit 1585. eklanthanomai -- to forget utterly 1578. ekklino -- to deviate, to turn away (from someone or ... Strong's Hebrew 470. Eliqa -- "God of rejection," one of David's heroes... 469, 470. Eliqa. 471 . "God of rejection," one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Eliqa Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-kaw') Short Definition: Elika. ... /hebrew/470.htm - 6k 5007a. neatsah -- contempt 2925. taltelah -- a hurling 5079. niddah -- impurity Library The Contemptuous Rejection. The Murderous Rejection. The Aggressive Rejection. Rejection of Errors Rejection of Errors Rejection of Errors Rejection of Errors Rejection of Christianity. Of the Predicted Rejection of Idols. His Rejection by the Jews Foretold. Thesaurus Rejection (3 Occurrences)...Rejection (3 Occurrences). Romans 11:15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead? ... /r/rejection.htm - 7k Rejecting (9 Occurrences) Rejects (8 Occurrences) Proper (62 Occurrences) Rebuke (77 Occurrences) Samuel (129 Occurrences) Genesis Offer (403 Occurrences) Loruhamah (2 Occurrences) Lo-ruhamah (3 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome feelings of rejection? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I heal from the hurt of a broken relationship? | GotQuestions.org Who was Charles Taze Russell? | GotQuestions.org Rejection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rejection (3 Occurrences)Romans 11:15 2 Kings 19:3 Isaiah 37:3 Subtopics Related Terms |