How does Leviticus 24:12 emphasize the importance of seeking God's will? Setting the scene “ They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them.” (Leviticus 24:12) A half-Egyptian man has just blasphemed the Name. The camp is stunned; the offense is grave. Yet instead of reacting impulsively, the community restrains him and turns its attention upward. The deliberate pause What Israel does—and does not do—reveals a pattern: • They refuse to render judgment on their own. • They acknowledge that only God can define justice. • They create space and time for divine direction. Why the pause matters • Submission over instinct – Holding the offender “in custody” says, “Our feelings don’t get the final word; God does” (cf. Deuteronomy 17:8-10). • Dependence on revelation – The camp waits until “the will of the LORD” is disclosed. Scripture, not popular opinion, sets the standard (Psalm 119:105). • Protection from miscarriage of justice – Waiting guards against rashness that can derail righteousness (Proverbs 14:29). Echoes across Scripture • Moses regularly inquires for guidance (Exodus 33:13; Numbers 27:5). • David asks, “Shall I go up?” before battle, and God answers (2 Samuel 5:19). • Joshua’s treaty with the Gibeonites failed precisely because “they did not seek counsel from the LORD” (Joshua 9:14). • Wisdom literature urges the same posture: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • James sums it up: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Practical takeaways for today • Pause before acting—especially when emotions run high. • Pray specifically for God to uncover His will. • Search the written Word; God’s character and commands are already revealed. • Seek godly counsel that points back to Scripture. • Wait until conviction is clear; haste is rarely holy. Leviticus 24:12 reminds us that genuine justice and wise decisions flow from patiently, humbly, and expectantly seeking the Lord’s will—nothing less, nothing else. |
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