Biblical leaders seeking God's wisdom?
What other biblical leaders sought God's wisdom in decision-making?

Exodus 18:15—Moses’ Model of Seeking Counsel

“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. (Exodus 18:15)

Moses’ instinct was to bring every issue before the LORD. That heartbeat of dependence became a pattern for many who came after him.


Leaders Who Followed Moses’ Example

• Joshua

Joshua 7:6: “Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening…”

– When Israel’s defeat puzzled him, Joshua immediately sought God’s explanation and remedy before moving ahead.

• David

1 Samuel 23:2: “So David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’”

1 Samuel 30:8: “David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this band? …’ And He replied, ‘Pursue…’”

– A consistent habit: before battles, relocations, or coronations, David paused to ask.

• Solomon

1 Kings 3:9 & 12: “Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart… I will give you a wise and discerning heart…”

– Solomon’s very first royal decision was to ask for wisdom rather than wealth or victory.

• Jehoshaphat

2 Chronicles 20:3: “Jehoshaphat was alarmed and resolved to seek the LORD…”

2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless…”

– He declared a nationwide fast, placing the battle strategy squarely in God’s hands.

• Hezekiah

2 Kings 19:14: “Hezekiah…went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.”

– Under siege, the king unfolded the enemy’s letter on the temple floor and waited for God’s word.

• Ezra & Nehemiah

Ezra 8:21: “There by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast…to ask Him for a safe journey.”

Nehemiah 1:4: “I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

– Both leaders planned reforms only after seasons of prayer and fasting.

• Daniel

Daniel 2:17-18: “…told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery…”

– Before answering Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel rallied friends to pray for revelation, and God supplied it.

• Early Church & Paul

Acts 1:24: “And they prayed, ‘Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us…’”

Acts 13:2-3: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…’”

– From choosing leaders to launching missions, the church’s default mode was prayerful dependence on God’s direction.


What We Learn

Scripture presents a unified testimony: from Moses to the New Testament church, godly leaders consistently paused, prayed, and waited for God’s wisdom before they acted. The pattern is clear—humble inquiry invites divine guidance, and divine guidance secures lasting fruit.

How can we seek God's guidance like the Israelites in Exodus 18:15?
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