What other biblical examples show consequences of not seeking God's counsel? Setting the Stage with Joshua 9:14 “So the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites sets the pattern: when God’s people move ahead without prayerful consultation, painful consequences follow. Ignoring God’s Word in Eden (Genesis 3) • Genesis 3:6 – Eve “took of its fruit and ate… and he ate.” • Result: banishment, pain, death (Genesis 3:16-19). A decision made without turning back to God’s clear instruction plunged all humanity into curse and exile. Taking Matters into Human Hands: Abram & Sarai (Genesis 16) • Genesis 16:2 – “Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” • Consequence: enduring conflict. “He will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12) Choosing human strategy over divine promise produced centuries of strife. Presuming on Victory: Israel’s Attack on Ai (Joshua 7) • Joshua 7:3-5 – Only a small force is sent; thirty-six die, morale collapses. • Reason: sin in the camp was never addressed before battle. Lack of inquiry led to defeat, fear, and a public crisis of faith. Impatient Leadership: Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice (1 Samuel 13) • 1 Samuel 13:12-14 – “You have acted foolishly… now your kingdom will not endure.” Saul sought military advantage instead of God’s timing; the monarchy was stripped from his line. Trust in Numbers, Not God: David’s Census (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21) • 2 Samuel 24:10 – “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.” • Outcome: plague that claimed 70,000 lives (v. 15). Counting troops without divine direction exposed national pride and brought judgment. Solomon’s Heart Turned by Foreign Wives (1 Kings 11) • 1 Kings 11:4, 11 – “His heart was not fully devoted… I will surely tear the kingdom away from you.” Ignoring God’s warnings about intermarriage fractured the kingdom for generations. Asa’s Treaty with Ben-Hadad (2 Chronicles 16) • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 – “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD… you will have wars.” A king who once trusted God for victory later trusted politics and bought himself perpetual conflict. Jehoshaphat’s Costly Partnership (2 Chronicles 20:35-37) • “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works… the ships were wrecked.” A godly king momentarily forgot to seek the Lord; his commerce sank at the dock. Refusing God’s Warning: Judah’s Flight to Egypt (Jeremiah 42–44) • Jeremiah 42:19 – “Do not go to Egypt.” • Jeremiah 44:12 – “They will all perish… by sword and famine.” The remnant asked for guidance, ignored it, and died in the very place they thought would keep them safe. Key Themes and Takeaways • Every neglect of divine counsel carries a price—lost blessing, fractured relationships, national calamity, or personal sorrow. • God’s warnings are merciful; consequences are certain when His voice is sidelined. • Humble inquiry, patient obedience, and wholehearted trust guard believers from repeating these painful patterns. |
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