In the biblical narrative, several individuals are noted for having raised their hands against the king, an act often seen as rebellion against God's anointed leader. These actions are significant within the context of Israel's monarchy, as they reflect both political intrigue and divine judgment.

1. Absalom

Absalom, the third son of King David, is perhaps the most infamous for his rebellion against his father. His account is detailed in 2 Samuel 13-18. Absalom's revolt was fueled by personal ambition and a desire for justice after the rape of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Absalom's rebellion culminated in a battle in the forest of Ephraim, where he was ultimately defeated and killed. His actions are a poignant reminder of the consequences of familial discord and the dangers of usurping God-ordained authority. The Berean Standard Bible recounts David's lament: "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33).

2. Adonijah

Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to seize the throne during David's old age, as recorded in 1 Kings 1. Without David's blessing, Adonijah declared himself king, supported by key figures such as Joab and Abiathar the priest. However, the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba intervened, leading to Solomon's anointing as king. Adonijah's attempt to usurp the throne highlights the importance of divine appointment and the prophetic voice in the establishment of leadership. Solomon's response to Adonijah's later request for Abishag the Shunammite as a wife resulted in Adonijah's execution, as it was perceived as another attempt to claim the throne (1 Kings 2:13-25).

3. Sheba son of Bichri

Sheba, a Benjamite, led a revolt against King David following Absalom's rebellion. His account is found in 2 Samuel 20. Sheba's insurrection was short-lived, as he was pursued by Joab, David's military commander. The rebellion ended when the people of Abel Beth Maacah, where Sheba had taken refuge, beheaded him and threw his head over the city wall to Joab. Sheba's rebellion underscores the fragility of national unity and the swift justice that often followed acts of treason against the king.

4. Athaliah

Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne of Judah after her son's death, as described in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23. She attempted to exterminate the royal line of David, but Joash, her grandson, was hidden and later revealed as the rightful king. Athaliah's usurpation and subsequent execution illustrate the divine protection over the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

5. Zimri

Zimri, a commander in the army of King Elah of Israel, assassinated the king and declared himself ruler, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:8-20. His reign lasted only seven days before Omri, another military leader, besieged the city of Tirzah. Facing defeat, Zimri set the royal palace on fire and perished in the flames. Zimri's brief and tumultuous rule serves as a cautionary tale about the instability and divine disfavor associated with illegitimate claims to power.

These accounts of individuals who raised their hands against the king serve as sobering reminders of the consequences of rebellion against divinely appointed authority. They reflect the complex interplay of human ambition, divine sovereignty, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David.