Are there rebels in the Bible? Yep! We need to know the definition of rebellion in the Bible before we can talk about those who rebelled. In this post, we will look at how a rebel is defined today and how that compares to how it is defined in the Bible. Lastly, we will look at how rebellion in the Bible affects being content with God’s plan for us.
Rebellion in the Bible: Today’s Definition of Rebellion
There are three different definitions of rebellion, according to vocabulary.com.
They are:
- Resisting control or authority
- Discontented toward authority
- Participating in organized resistance to a constituted government
The first definition was a common theme during the pandemic. A rebellious person will question why an authority figure is asking or telling them to do something. At first, people were on board to help slow the curve of the spread and not impact our hospital facilities. But when two weeks became four weeks and then beyond, people were questioning and going against some of the requirements of the government. It was a tragedy that lives were lost due to the virus. When the statistics came out about the percent who were sick and dying compared to the healthy, many lost interest or outright rebelled against the government rules.
The second definition spoke to me since contentment is a core topic of God’s Plan Guided Steps. More on that later.
The riots represented the third definition in many metropolitan cities around the United States in 2020, including Minneapolis, which is about 10 minutes from my home. The people in these riots resisted the authorities when they were told to stand down. They threw things at the police and buildings, shot their guns, and burned down buildings – including a police precinct. This was a turbulent time in the Twin Cities and other cities across the nation. And even places around the world.
Definition of Rebellion in the Bible
Is the definition of rebellion in the Bible different? In a word, no. The Bible doesn’t have a specific definition of rebellion. But some verses speak to what rebellion is and who it is against. There are references to what to do to keep from rebelling.
Rebellion in the Bible: Against the Lord & Appointed Leaders
First, rebellion in the Bible is against the Lord and the leadership He appoints.
When the Israelites were in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, they rebelled many times. In the book of Numbers, we hear about the ten men sent to the Promised Land to spy on the inhabitants, determine what the land is like, and give a report back to Moses and Aaron. Eight spies were fearful of the large men living there. The people were afraid and grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They wished they had died in the wilderness and thought they should choose a leader and return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4 ESV).
Joshua and Caleb, the other two spies, came back with a favorable report about the abundant produce in the land. They knew this land was where God wanted them to be, and His favor would be upon them when there was a conflict with the people of the land. And they told them not to fear the people and that they should not rebel against God.
“Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”
Numbers 14:9 ESV
Rebellion Against the Lord
Second, rebellion in the Bible is against God Himself.
In Deuteronomy, Moses stopped by the Jordan and gave the Israelites a long discourse. He reviewed God’s commands and the history of their relationship with the Lord since they left Egypt. Many times in the past couple of years, the Israelites rebelled. In this passage, he explained rebellion by what they weren’t doing. It was not following God’s commands or believing in Him.
And when the Lord sent you from Kadesh-Barnea, saying, ‘Go up and take possession of the land that I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God and did not believe him.
Deuteronomy 9:23 ESV
Ultimately, unbelief is at the root of rebellion in the Bible. God gives commands and instructions to follow. And He explains the repercussions we have by not following His path.
Lack of trust is unbelief. If we don’t trust God, we say that we don’t believe He will do what He said. It could be providing for you or your family or looking for a new job.
There are so many prophecies in the Bible that have come true. The only ones left to happen are those about Jesus’ return and the end times. If God can do the impossible, He can provide for you and care for your needs!
Rebellion: Believers
In addition to not following His commands or not believing that God will do what He said He would, the believer doesn’t remain faithful to God.
The Psalmist said:
they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psalm 78:8 ESV
God wants our hearts to be firmly fixed on Him. And we are to be faithful to Him alone. Not anything or anyone else. The first command is to have no other gods before Him.
Those who keep their hearts fixed on Him listen for God and don’t turn back from Him.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.
Isaiah 50:5 ESV
Rebellion: Unbelievers
The unbelievers rebel against Him but don’t understand God’s ways.
“There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths.”
Job 24:13 ESV
And these rebels will continue on their path unless we tell them about Jesus.
If you are reading this and unsure if you know Jesus, check this page for more information about knowing God and knowing peace.
Rebellion in the Bible: Connection to Contentment
So how does rebellion connect to contentment in God’s plan for you?
The second definition above is being discontented with authority. The definition also explained this discontentment as “showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing.”
When you lack satisfaction in your job, there can be times when you don’t want to do what you’re told to do. And that is that discontent with the authority figures at work. You may begrudgingly do it, but you are still dissatisfied with what you do.
There have been times in my career when I had a restless longing for something more. And I would speak up about things and question why something was being done. Asking questions is okay. But it is how you do it and whether it is with respect.
That longing and restlessness were due to a lack of satisfaction in my job and being content with God’s plan. God puts a desire in all of us to want contentment.
God’s plan is the best for us! Have faith while you wait and trust Him. And keep following His commands. He will see you through to what He has for you.
Set [your] hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.
Psalm 78:7 ESV
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Resource Library
There are free Bible reading plans, Bible verses, and other items to download from the Resource Library. Click on the resource library link, and you can get verses like the ones pictured here. They are yours for stopping by God’s Plan Guided Steps.
