Lexical Summary mered: rebellion Original Word: מֶרֶד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rebellion From marad; rebellion -- rebellion. see HEBREW marad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom marad Definition rebellion, revolt NASB Translation rebellion (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. מֶ֫רֶד noun [masculine] rebellion, revolt, against ׳י, וְאִםבְּֿמַעַל ביהוה ׳אִם בְּמ Joshua 22:24 (P; compare מָרַד 2). Topical Lexicon Overview מֶרֶד denotes overt rebellion or revolt against rightful authority. It embodies a willful breach of covenant fidelity, a theme that reverberates throughout Scripture as a grave moral failure and a perilous communal contagion. Canonical Context and Usage The term appears once in the Hebrew text, occurring in Joshua 22:22. On the eastern side of the Jordan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh erect a large altar. The western tribes suspect apostasy and march to the brink of civil war. In their defense the eastern tribes protest, “If this has been in rebellion or in breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us this day” (Joshua 22:22). By naming the mere possibility of מֶרֶד, they acknowledge that rebellion against God warrants severe judgment. Their appeal exposes the seriousness with which Israel is to guard covenant purity and illustrates how quickly the charge of rebellion can fracture the unity of God’s people. Historical Significance 1. Covenant Integrity: The incident occurs after Israel has settled in Canaan. A united response to perceived rebellion underscores that the land itself is to be governed by corporate loyalty to the LORD. Theological Emphasis 1. Rebellion Equals Treason against God 2. Holiness and Judgment 3. Foreshadowing the Need for a New Heart Christological Fulfillment Though sinless, Jesus is numbered with rebels (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 22:37) and bears their guilt on the cross, satisfying divine justice and offering reconciliation. His obedience unto death stands in stark contrast to mankind’s persistent rebellion, opening a path for the indwelling Spirit to produce covenant loyalty (Romans 8:3-4). New Testament Echoes The Greek noun ἀποστασία and verb ἀφίστημι mirror the concept of מֶרֶד. Acts 21:21 records the accusation that Paul teaches “all the Jews … to forsake (ἀποστασία) Moses.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3 predicts a future rebellion before the man of lawlessness is revealed. These texts continue the warning that revolt against God will characterize the last days, urging vigilance. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Guarding the Flock: Leaders must address doctrinal and moral rebellion promptly, following the pattern of investigation, confrontation, and, if necessary, discipline (Titus 1:10-13). Summary מֶרֶד, though occurring only once, crystallizes a crucial biblical theme: rebellion severs fellowship with God and endangers the community. Joshua 22 illustrates the seriousness with which the covenant people must guard against it, while the whole canon points to Christ as the ultimate remedy for the rebel heart. Forms and Transliterations בְּמֶ֤רֶד במרד bə·me·reḏ beMered bəmereḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 22:22 HEB: יֵדָ֑ע אִם־ בְּמֶ֤רֶד וְאִם־ בְּמַ֙עַל֙ NAS: If [it was] in rebellion, or if KJV: he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression INT: know If rebellion if an unfaithful 1 Occurrence |
    |