Scorning and mocking are themes that appear throughout the Bible, often highlighting the tension between the rulers of Israel and their relationship with God and His prophets. These actions are typically characterized by derision, contempt, and a lack of reverence for divine authority and instruction. The rulers of Israel, at various times, engaged in or were subjected to scorn and mockery, which often led to divine judgment or correction.

1. Saul and David:

King Saul, the first king of Israel, provides an early example of scornful behavior. His jealousy and fear of David, whom God had chosen to succeed him, led to a series of actions that could be seen as mocking God's plan. Saul's pursuit of David, despite knowing that the Lord was with him, reflects a disregard for divine will. In 1 Samuel 18:8-9 , Saul's anger and suspicion are evident: "Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David."

2. Ahab and Elijah:

King Ahab, one of the most infamous rulers of Israel, is another example. His reign was marked by idolatry and opposition to God's prophets, particularly Elijah. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel and his subsequent promotion of Baal worship led to a direct confrontation with Elijah. In 1 Kings 18:17-18 , Ahab scornfully addresses Elijah: "When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, 'Is that you, O troubler of Israel?' 'I have not troubled Israel,' Elijah replied, 'but you and your father’s house have, because you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals.'"

3. Hezekiah and Sennacherib:

King Hezekiah of Judah faced scorn and mockery from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Sennacherib's envoy, Rabshakeh, mocked Hezekiah's trust in the Lord, attempting to undermine the morale of the people of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 18:29-30 , Rabshakeh declares, "This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you; he cannot deliver you from my hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'"

4. Jesus and the Sanhedrin:

In the New Testament, the ultimate example of scorn and mockery by the rulers of Israel is seen in the treatment of Jesus by the Sanhedrin and other religious leaders. Despite His teachings and miracles, Jesus was mocked and scorned, culminating in His trial and crucifixion. In Matthew 26:67-68 , during His trial, "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him and said, 'Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?'"

5. Prophetic Warnings:

The prophets frequently warned the rulers of Israel about the consequences of their scornful attitudes. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others, delivered messages of impending judgment due to the leaders' mockery of God's laws and their reliance on foreign alliances and idols. Isaiah 28:14-15 captures this warning: "Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. For you said, 'We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.'"

Throughout the biblical narrative, the scorn and mockery by the rulers of Israel serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride, disobedience, and the rejection of divine authority. These actions often led to their downfall and served as a reminder of the importance of humility and reverence before God.Isaiah 28:14
Why hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Simurru, Zimyra. It does not appear, however, that the ancient rulers of
Lagash ever extended their dominion so far. The governors ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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