“And there happened to be there a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet and said: ‘We have no share in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!’ ” (2 Samuel 20:1).
The unrecognized nation of the California Republic existed for three weeks after a group of American immigrants rebelled against Mexico. The Bear Flag Revolt, the name of the uprising, started in Alta (Upper)
California when Americans learned that the United States had declared war on Mexico. American rebels seized the Mexican garrison in Sonoma.
On June 14, 1846, William B. Ide was made the first and only president of the California Republic. His administration lasted for twenty-five days. On June 15 he released a proclamation that the Mexican province was now the California Republic, and on June 17 the rebels raised a homemade flag with a bear and a red star to symbolize their control. By June 23, John Fremont arrived with a U.S. battalion of soldiers and, on July 9, Ide and the other “Bear Flaggers” joined Fremont and a U.S. flag was raised in Sonoma, replacing the Bear Flag.
After Absalom’s rebellion against King David was stopped, Sheba, the son of Bichri, made an effort to rally the northern ten tribes of Israel against David. Knowing he must quickly quell this uprising, David sent troops to pursue Sheba and finally cornered him in a small town in the northernmost part of Israel.
As Joab laid siege to the town of Abel, a wise woman within the city called over the wall, describing herself as peaceable and faithful. When she learned from Joab that all would be settled if they would deliver Sheba to them, she approached the townspeople and in short order provided David’s army with the head of the rebel. Then peace returned to the land.
Lucifer once started a rebellion against the government of heaven. He acted quickly and deceitfully until one third of the angels of God followed him. Soon, however, his unrecognized government will end—as will his life—so that peace will return to our world.
Precious Jesus, may I never rebel against Your leaders but always stand in support of Your heavenly government.
1/3950 Pacific Highway Loganholme QLD 4129
Australia Office hours
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Thursday;
9:00 am – 3:00 pm Friday
Postal Address: PO Box 3034 Loganholme QLD 4129 Australia
