ma.as denotes refusing or setting aside God’s instruction, persons, practices, or what is judged evil.

The verb most often marks refusal of God, his word, statutes, judgments, or instruction; it also describes God or others setting aside persons, a city, a covenantal status, or practices. In several clauses it expresses refusing evil, unjust gain, discipline, or another disputed matter.

1. Refusing God’s rule or instruction · dominant

   This use occurs where people turn away from God’s kingship, word, statutes, judgments, or instruction. In 1 Samuel 8:7 the APB renders the clause “they have rejected me from being king over them,” while 2 Kings 17:15 and Ezekiel 20:13 place the action alongside abandoning statutes and judgments.

   1 Samuel 8:71 Samuel 15:232 Kings 17:15Ezekiel 20:13Hosea 4:6Jeremiah 8:9
2. Setting aside persons or a chosen status · common

   The verb can describe setting aside a king, a people, or a city, with the surrounding clause specifying the relationship affected. In 1 Samuel 16:1 the APB renders Saul as rejected “from reigning over Israel”; 2 Kings 23:27 names Jerusalem and the house associated with it, and Psalm 78:59 says God “rejected Israel greatly.”

   1 Samuel 16:12 Kings 17:202 Kings 23:27Hosea 9:17Jeremiah 7:29Psalm 78:59
3. Refusing what is evil, unjust, or unwanted · occasional

   In clauses of moral choice or personal response, the verb marks turning away from an identified object. Isaiah 7:15 pairs refusal of evil with choosing good; Isaiah 33:15 names gain from extortion, and Job 5:17 warns against refusing the Almighty’s discipline.

   Isaiah 7:15Isaiah 7:16Isaiah 33:15Job 5:17Job 31:13Job 42:6

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across these verses the APB commonly uses “rejected,” including for God, his word, statutes, people, and a king. It also uses “refuse,” “spurn,” “despise,” and “disowned” in some clauses; These variations should be read as verse renderings rather than fixed equivalents.