We don’t often focus on the sin of rebellion but it is important that we understand the examples we have been given and use them to understand the path that will guide our hearts toward God.
The word translated in KJV as ‘rebel’, ‘rebellious’ or ‘rebellion’ is only used in the Old Testament. It means a push against authority. The word rebellious in Hebrew language is ‘to be or make bitter’. Consider the parable of the sons in Matthew 21:28-31; Luke 15:11-32. Keep in mind, in the Hebrew, the word rebellions is ‘bitterness.’
Rebellion comes in many forms, but is always characterized by disobedience. In Deuteronomy 9:4-7 and Deuteronomy 23-24 the characterization of a rebellious people was in the context of disobedience. They were atheists. In Psalm 78:6-8 those who are rebellious are not listening to God. They demonstrated stubborn or passive resistance. They couldn’t stop sinning. Isaiah 65:1-5 tells us these were judged as using their own thoughts (see also Ezek. 18:25). In Jeremiah 5:21-25 and Ezekiel 12:2, we read these were those that had eyes but did not see, and ears but did not hear (Matt. 13:13-17). Saul’s good intention and partial obedience was counted as rebellion. He did not do all he was told to do. His rebellion was as witchcraft, and his stubbornness as idolatry and insincerity (1 Sam. 15:22-23). Rebellion can be taught and spread like a contagious disease from heart to heart. Here the word ‘rebellion’ is ‘apostasy” (Jer. 28:15-17).
God calls the rebellious to repentance. God worked with a rebellious people to turn them to the right way (Ezek. 2:3-10). In this case He sent Ezekiel. Hebrews 12:15 gives us a warning of what can happen and references Old Testament examples of rebellion and bitterness—see definition above. In Acts 8:22-23 the reference to bitterness is very similar to Old Testament rebellion (21-heart; 23-gall of bitterness). In Ephesians 4:31 we are told to put these things away, i.e. bitterness=acridity.
Humility and an open ear will turn us from rebellion. We have an opportunity and a choice when God opens our ear (Isa. 50:5-10). Some will say they are “not ready to obey” and that is passive rebellion (Acts 17 and Rom. 1). We must be able to hear, which is predicated on a desire to do God’s will (John 8:43-44 and John 7:17-19). The process in Isaiah 6:8-10 is clear and was the same as in the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3-18). Even in Revelation 2-3, the plea was for those who have ears to hear. Are we willing to hear? We must resist rebellion by hearing God’s words (1 Pet. 5:6-9).
Those who desire to do God’s will but refuse some of His Word will not be able to please Him. Many do not see they are in rebellion, but we must examine our hearts and actions and abide in His will (Rom 10:1-3).
–Beth Johnson