Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often intertwined with the notion of contempt for the divine. This rebellion is not merely an act of disobedience but a deeper, more profound rejection of God's authority, commandments, and love. It is a willful turning away from the Creator, often accompanied by a disdainful attitude towards His holiness and sovereignty.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, rebellion against God is frequently depicted as a national and individual sin. The Israelites, despite being chosen as God's people, repeatedly fell into rebellion. This is vividly illustrated in the wilderness narratives, where the Israelites grumbled against God and Moses. Numbers 14:9 warns, "Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16) serves as a stark example of contempt for God's appointed leadership and, by extension, for God Himself. Their challenge to Moses and Aaron was not just a political maneuver but a spiritual defiance against God's established order.

The prophets frequently addressed the rebellion of Israel and Judah, equating it with spiritual adultery and idolatry. Isaiah 1:2 declares, "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: 'I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.'" This rebellion is portrayed as a betrayal of the covenant relationship, a contemptuous disregard for God's faithfulness and provision.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, rebellion against God is often linked with the rejection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The parable of the tenants in Matthew 21:33-46 illustrates this rebellion, where the tenants' contempt for the landowner's son symbolizes the religious leaders' rejection of Christ. This act of rebellion is not just against a messenger but against God Himself, who sent His Son.

The apostle Paul speaks of rebellion in terms of the sinful nature of humanity. Romans 8:7 states, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This hostility is a form of rebellion rooted in contempt for God's righteous standards and a refusal to acknowledge His lordship.

Consequences of Rebellion

The Bible consistently warns of the dire consequences of rebellion against God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites' rebellion led to severe judgments, including exile and destruction. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for rebellion, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God.

In the New Testament, the ultimate consequence of rebellion is spiritual death and separation from God. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries."

Contempt of God

Contempt for God is often the underlying attitude that fuels rebellion. It is an attitude of irreverence and disdain for God's character and commands. This contempt is seen in the mocking of God's prophets, the rejection of His Word, and the idolatrous practices that replace the worship of the true God with false gods.

Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the contrast between reverence for God and the contemptuous attitude of the fool who rejects divine wisdom.

In summary, rebellion against God, deeply connected with contempt for Him, is a grave sin with serious consequences. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, serving as a warning and a call to repentance and submission to God's will.Psalm 107:11
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Impending Conflict
... this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator ... object to incite the
nations to war against one another ... of preparation to stand in the day of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator ... object to incite the
nations to war against one another ... of preparation to stand in the day of God. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

Immanuel
... sinful (Romans 7:13) Whoever has a right sense of the nature and effects of that
rebellion against the Most High ... If God be for us, who shall be against us? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon v immanuel.htm

Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ...
... to the particular people with which you are connected, should lead ... So if a man sees
rebellion breaking out against God ... that it is for a sin against God you are ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/thou shalt in any wise.htm

The Angel's Message and Song
... is like unto it, and inseparably connected with it ... is in a state of war and rebellion
against his Maker. ... He is now against God, disobedient to His laws, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon x the angels message.htm

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
... the pride of their hearts rises against His declarations ... relation, submit to the
testimony of God, and yield ... Can the spirit of rebellion rise higher, than when ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxix gifts received for.htm

Strange Fire
... This solemn story of sin and punishment is connected with the ... There, all precepts
are God's uttered will, and all disobedience is rebellion against Him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... as spokesman; for he had been in rebellion against Solomon (1 ... sin of idolatry, which
was closely connected with the ... enough to behold the operative will of God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... Those who had chosen the service of rebellion, were left to reap its fruits ... smitten
down by the impious hand that had been lifted against the law of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... Those who had chosen the service of rebellion were left to reap its fruits ... smitten
down by the impious hand that had been lifted against the law of God. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say to do with a rebellious child? | GotQuestions.org

Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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