Definite Questions and Answers

"It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up." David said, "Where shall I go up?" And He said, "To Hebron."

2 Samuel 2:1

After the death of King Saul, David inquired of the LORD where he should go.  His place in Ziklag had been burnt with fire, and David wisely sought insight from the LORD concerning his next course of action.  He provides a good example for all who fear God in asking a specific question and did not act on the matter until he received a definite answer.  If we are honest concerning our prayers, we may discover we do not ask many definite questions.  If this is the case, we should not be surprised when a clear answer does not come.

We are not told exactly how God spoke to David, but the text makes it evident God did speak and David heard Him.  In the previous book we read Abiathar, son of the high priest, had brought the ephod and joined David's company after the slaughter of the priests at Nob.  He undoubtedly was involved in this process, likely with the Urim and Thummim.  David obediently went up to Hebron according to God's direction, and shortly thereafter was crowned king of Judah.

It is interesting to note we see a similar situation and a very different result early in the reign of King Saul.  Saul was the king and his demeanour was self-assured and domineering - even with God.  1 Samuel 14:19 says, "Now it happened, while Saul talked to the priest, that the noise which was in the camp of the Philistines continued to increase; so Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."  Looking at the situation by sight, Saul made an executive decision to act.  Trusting his own senses, he did not value or desire insight from God.  Such a person who walks by sight or reacts to the movements of the enemy should not expect an answer from the LORD.

In your prayer life, are you intentional to ask a definite question and actively wait on the LORD for a definite answer, confirming His revealed will through His Word?  Proverbs 18:13 explains the result of those who speak presumptuously when they only know half the story:  "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him."  The same is true for those who act presumptuously, responding to what they see or hear.  We ought to patiently, humble ourselves as David before the Almighty God who has wisdom and insight to impart to all who fear and obey Him.

We do not need an ephod, the Urim and Thummim, or any sanctified relic to gain an audience with God, for Jesus Christ is our High Priest who lives to intercede with the Father on our behalf.  We have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts and guides us into all truth. The Holy Spirit will not tell us everything, but He will tell us enough and empower us to fulfil our duty before God in all He requires of us.  We often have not because we ask not.  We have cast our cares, poured out our complaints, and we might even tell God what we want Him to do.  But if we do not ask intending to obey whatever He says, we should not expect an answer.

May followers of Jesus Christ indeed seek Him, for He is for us wisdom.  When our view is obscured may we be reminded of our desperate need for His insight and guidance through life, and as we patiently heed His Word we might honour and glorify Him all our days.