In the biblical context, the concept of petition, particularly in relation to Israel, is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. The act of petitioning, or making requests to God, is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the dynamic interaction between divine sovereignty and human agency.

Old Testament Context

The practice of petitioning God is evident from the earliest narratives of Israel's history. In the Pentateuch, Moses frequently intercedes on behalf of the Israelites, petitioning God for mercy and guidance. For instance, after the incident of the golden calf, Moses pleads with God to spare the people: "So Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please blot me out of the book You have written'" (Exodus 32:31-32).

The Psalms, a central component of Israel's worship and prayer life, are replete with petitions. These prayers often express a deep reliance on God for deliverance, provision, and justice. Psalm 86:6-7 exemplifies this: "Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me" .

Prophetic Literature

The prophets also highlight the role of petition in Israel's relationship with God. The book of Daniel provides a notable example, where Daniel petitions God for the restoration of Jerusalem. His prayer is characterized by confession and supplication: "We have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled; we have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances" (Daniel 9:5). Daniel's petition underscores the importance of repentance and humility in approaching God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of petition is expanded through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus instructs His followers on the nature of prayer, encouraging them to present their requests to God with faith and persistence. In the Sermon on the Mount, He assures them: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

The apostle Paul further emphasizes the importance of petition in the life of believers. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). This exhortation highlights the peace that comes from entrusting one's needs to God.

Theological Implications

The act of petitioning God reflects a fundamental aspect of Israel's faith: the belief in a personal, responsive God who is both transcendent and immanent. Petition is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound expression of trust in God's character and promises. It acknowledges human dependence on divine grace and the assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the petitions of Israel serve as a testament to the enduring relationship between God and His covenant people. They reveal a God who is attentive to the needs of His people and who invites them to approach Him with confidence and humility.Numbers 27:1-5
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Numbers 32:1-5
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
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Numbers 36:1-5
And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
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Joshua 17:4,14,16
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
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Joshua 21:1,2
Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;
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Israel Returning
... It must begin with the petition for forgiveness, which implies recognition of the ...
Hosea bids Israel ask that God would take away all iniquity; John pointed to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/israel returning.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... so he determined to make no more secret attempts upon the king of Israel, out of
fear ... floor nor wine-press, whence he might give her any thing at her petition. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... Israel and Syria attacked Ahaz, whose reign followed those of Uzziah and Jotham. ...
trust in him; but instead of doing so, the king determined to petition for the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... Solomon's judgment of Israel's checkered history will be our judgment of our own
when we ... The proper subject-matter of this petition is 'that He may incline our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Promises and Threatenings
... prosperity was attached to a devout life more closely in Israel than it ... between the
cherubim visibly showed, and thus has fulfilled Solomon's petition; but the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

Two Scenes.
... "Go in peace," he said, "and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast
asked of him." With perfect confidence that God had heard and answered prayer ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter i two scenes.htm

The History of Rehoboam
... Jeroboam and all the multitude of Israel spake to Rehoboam, and said: Thy father
set ... wilt obey and agree to this people, and agree to their petition, and speak ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of rehoboam.htm

Elucidations.
... The end of the first petition in the Kaddish prayer runs thus: May He extend His
kingdom in your days, and in those of the whole house of Israel very soon.' In ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... do God's saints fill their mouths when they enter in to petition and to ... what an
all-powerful,"argument God gives to this great transgressor in Israel to plead ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

The True vision of God
... 'Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,' is either a puerile petition, or the ... The
elders of Israel saw the God of Israel, but what they saw was but some ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the true vision of god.htm

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