Rebellion is a significant theme throughout the Bible. From the rebellion of Satan against God to human rebellion against authority, the Bible has much to say about this topic. Here are some key Bible verses about rebellion:
Numbers 14:9
“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.”
This verse comes as the Israelites are afraid to enter the Promised Land. God reminds them not to rebel against Him but to trust that He will help them conquer the land.
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
God rejects Saul as king over Israel because of his rebellion and disobedience. Rebellion is equated with the sins of divination and idolatry.
Ezra 10:8
“and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles.”
Ezra decrees that anyone who does not respond to his call to repentance and putting away of foreign wives will forfeit property and be exiled. This shows the seriousness of rebellion against God’s law.
Nehemiah 9:17
“They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.”
This verse recalls how the Israelites rebelled against God consistently, wanting to even return to Egypt. Yet God remained gracious and did not forsake them in their rebellion.
Psalm 78:40
“How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!”
This psalm recalls God’s patience with Israel’s frequent rebellion in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.
Isaiah 30:1
“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”
God rebukes His people for making alliances with pagan nations rather than seeking His will. This is rebellion that adds more sin.
Jeremiah 5:23
“But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away.”
Jeremiah indicts the people of Judah for their stubborn and rebellious ways in forsaking God.
Ezekiel 2:3
“And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.”
God sends Ezekiel to prophesy to the rebellious house of Israel who have transgressed against Him.
Ezekiel 20:8
“But they rebelled against me and were not willing to listen to me. None of them cast away the detestable things their eyes feasted on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.”
God reminds Israel how He was ready to pour out His wrath when they rebelled against Him in Egypt.
Daniel 9:5
“we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.”
Daniel confesses that Israel has sinned and rebelled against God’s laws.
Romans 13:2
“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
Paul states that rebelling against governing authorities is rebelling against what God has instituted.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”
Paul refers to a coming rebellion and lawlessness associated with the Antichrist’s revelation.
Titus 1:10
“For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.”
Paul notes that there are many rebellious and deceitful talkers, especially those pushing circumcision in the early church.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
The writer of Hebrews instructs believers to submit to spiritual leaders and not be rebellious, for the advantage of all.
In summary, the Bible contains many examples of rebellion from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Whether it is the Israelites rebelling against God in the wilderness, the revolt against authority in the early church, or end times lawlessness, Scripture makes it clear that rebellion is offensive to God. Believers are called to trust in the Lord rather than rebelling against Him. God seeks obedience from His people, so rebellion must be replaced by repentance and faithful submission to God’s commands.