REBELLION

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Exodus 22:18

According to Wikipedia, Rebellion is a refusal of obedience or order. It refers to the open resistance against the orders of an established authority.

The books of Numbers shows different instances where there has been rebellion and the disastrous consequences.

Numbers 12 told about Moses siblings rising against him. This caused God to be angry at them, Miriam got struck with leprosy and was put out of the camp for seven days after Moses pleaded on her behalf. I'm sure the honour given to her previously will reduce.

Numbers 14 was where ALL Israel rebelled against Moses and Aaron. Oh my God, the anger of God was terrible to behold and He almost destroyed them all if not for intense appeal from Moses and Aaron. This act ensured the rebels do not enter the promised land and others to remain in the wilderness for 40years.

Numbers 16 is about 253 men headed by Dathan, Korah and Abiram who challenged Moses authority. These men were given "some" of the spirit of God in Moses and they felt that have "arrived". Their punishment spilled to all their family members as the ground opened and they were all swallowed up alive and the ground closed over them.

The 2 bible passages at the beginning of this write-up tells us what rebellion is to God and why he acted as He did at these instances. He sees them as witches and idolators, so they must not be spared.


When it comes to God-ordained authority, it is not in our place to challenge them. Let God decide their fate as He evetually did for Moses and Aaron. To do so is to incure the wrath of God. That does not say we cannot advice them with caution as Moses father-in-law did in Exodus 18.

Disobedience/stubborness is also a type of rebellion. We need the spirit of God to help us see areas where we have been disobeying His order/authority; areas where we've been stubborn in doing the right things at home, church, work, with our spouses, children, neighbours, daily tasks,etc.

This could explain some hardships, demotions and even deaths we are facing in some areas of our lives.

God will help us to submit to His will in ALL areas in Jesus name. Amen.

Shalom!