23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
Why is rebellion considered witchcraft?
Let us look at the definitions.
Craft: 1. an activity involving skill in making things by hand. 2. skill used in deceiving others.
Witch: 1. a person thought to have magic powers, magic often with the aid of a devil or familiar :
When King Saul was asked by the Prophet Samuel why he had failed to fully obey, King Saul conjured up his own truth. With his own hands, strength, and mind, he crafted his own truth and believed it thus making himself to operate as a witch. A witch believes their own lies thinking it is truth. It is their own magic trick.
When people rebel, whether against God or governments, they are acting on their own belief system against that authority. But people are not allowed to rebel because rebellion itself is sin. They must depend on a higher authority to correct any misgivings.
Why is stubbornness associated with worshiping idols?
Stubborn: 1. having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something,
Idols are generally made from a block of wood, metal, or other solid substance. It does not move. It just sits there and does not move. Therefore, a stubborn person reflects the idle. They act unmovable. Their minds and hearts are closed. They act lifeless.
King Saul was adamant about his belief and position. He did not want to see prophet Samuel’s correction or truth. As a result, he lost the kingdom and was eventually replaced.
We must be a people who are malleable, correctable, teachable, and changeable or else we will be considered, as the Bible says, stiffed neck people. And that is not a good conclusion for any person.