Definition and Context:
Asking permission is the act of seeking consent or approval from someone in authority before proceeding with a particular action. In the biblical context, this concept is often associated with humility, respect for authority, and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It reflects a heart that is submissive to God's will and the established order.

Biblical Examples:

1. Moses and Pharaoh:
In the book of Exodus, Moses repeatedly asks Pharaoh for permission to let the Israelites go and worship the LORD in the wilderness. This narrative highlights the importance of seeking permission from those in authority, even when the request aligns with God's command. Exodus 5:1 states, "Afterward, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.'"

2. Nehemiah and King Artaxerxes:
Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, sought permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. His respectful request demonstrates the importance of seeking approval from earthly authorities while trusting in God's provision. Nehemiah 2:5 records, "And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.'"

3. Paul and the Jerusalem Council:
The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, sought the approval of the Jerusalem Council regarding the inclusion of Gentile believers. This act of seeking permission underscores the value of unity and respect for church leadership. Acts 15:2 notes, "So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question."

Theological Implications:

1. Submission to Authority:
The Bible teaches that all authority is established by God, and asking permission is a form of submission to that authority. Romans 13:1 instructs, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God."

2. Humility and Dependence on God:
Asking permission reflects a humble heart that recognizes its dependence on God and others. It is an acknowledgment that one does not act solely on personal will but seeks guidance and approval from those whom God has placed in positions of authority.

3. Respect for Order and Community:
The practice of asking permission fosters respect for order and community. It encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others and to seek harmony within the body of Christ.

Practical Application:

1. In Family Life:
Children are taught to ask permission from their parents as a sign of respect and obedience. Ephesians 6:1 advises, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

2. In Church Leadership:
Church members are encouraged to seek guidance and approval from their leaders when undertaking significant actions or decisions. Hebrews 13:17 states, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account."

3. In Daily Decisions:
Believers are encouraged to seek God's will in prayer, asking for His guidance and permission in their daily lives. James 4:15 reminds us, "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'"Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Topicalbible.org

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Topicalbible.org

To Brother Antonio of Nizza of the Hermit Brothers of Saint ...
... For if he is unwilling to come from humility and fear of forfeiting his peace, he
ought to exercise the virtue of humility, by asking permission from the Vicar ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother antonio of nizza.htm

Chapter l
... On the whole question of Joseph's asking permission to go and bury his father
there is one more consideration that carries weight. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

In the Homes of the People
... She remarked to her lieutenant, 'I must try to help that man.' Straightway she prayed,
then wrote the governor of the jail asking permission to visit the ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ix in the homes of.htm

Cambyses.
... through Arabia; and that, in order to secure a safe passage, he should send first
to the King of the Arabs, by a formal embassy, asking permission to cross his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter i cambyses.htm

My Call to the Ministry
... At that time I had been to a meeting several miles from home and had remained
over night with some friends without asking permission. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vii my call to.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... We may be allowed, also to adduce similar examples of permission. ... Thus Ahaz was
prevented from asking a sign of the Lord, at the suggestion of Isaiah, the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

Whether one who is under Another's Power Can Give Alms?
... property be gained by her own industry or by any other lawful means, can give alms,
out of that property, without asking her husband's permission: yet such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one who is under.htm

First Day in New York
... Almost immediately a man came out from that same store with a broad smile on his
face and with a gentle bow, as though asking my permission, he took my valise ...
/.../chapter iii first day in.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... In the name of all that is singular, what does Mr. Rule mean, without the courtesy
of asking my permission, by sending this man to me at Madrid? ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 38.htm

Gift Books, Essays, Etc.
... Some of the largest corporations in the country have written asking for permission
to reprint extracts in their "house organs.". FREDERICK A. ATKINS. ...
/.../jowett/my daily meditation for the circling year/gift books essays etc.htm

What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus ask the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” | GotQuestions.org

Does Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us? | GotQuestions.org

Asking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus