Articles
The Sin Of Rebellion
“So, every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king” (2 Sam. 20:2). Even before the twelve tribes of Israel divided, there were precursors of an impending rupture. A rebel named Sheba tried to rally troops against David, claiming they had no inheritance in the King. Since Sheba was from the tribe of Benjamin, also the tribe of Saul, it is possible that he had some influence in the matter. The KJV version in 2 Samuel 20:1 identifies Sheba as a man of Belial. He was a worthless man. He was wrong about all of the tribes being included in the inheritance of the land of Canaan. So, all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, where David made a league with them in in the Lord’s presence; then they anointed David king (2 Samuel 5:3). The covenant bound the twelve tribes as one; David was installed as king over all; but the beginning of the eventual division of the tribes had begun. A battle ensues and Sheba is defeated. It was not without cost to the strength and authority of David. Joab flexed his muscles against the king, rebelling against God’s appointed order.
The sin of rebellion continues to be played out in the lives of millions of people today. Prideful overstepping of the bounds of God’s authority is evident in a modern culture that has become its own god. When people are content with any kind of authority in their lives, why would they be interested in the absolute authority of God’s word. The modern world is full of pride. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
The younger Elihu joined Job’s older detractors by positing sin as the reason for Job’s misfortunes. Job 34:37 says: “For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.” The charge was not true but it speaks to the presence of rebellion among men. “An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore, a cruel messenger shall be sent against him” (Proverbs 17:11). Israel was plagued with rebellion. “But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken I” (Isaiah 1:20). “Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:8).
The list of rebellions is long. Yet, there is coming a day when those who resist the King will answer for their rebellion. That day will be a day of demarcation. All will appear to give an account before the one they have rebelled against. Loyalty to David was important for Israel. That mirrors our need to submit, willingly, lovingly, and completely to the ultimate King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
