Consult
What Does It Mean to Consult in the Bible?
The biblical concept of 'consult' encompasses seeking guidance through prayer, asking advice from others, or inquiring of supernatural sources. The Hebrew words most commonly translated as 'consult' include sha'al (to ask, inquire), ya'ats (to advise, counsel), and malakh (to take counsel). In the New Testament, the Greek sumbouleuomai means to take counsel together or deliberate. These actions appear in contexts ranging from righteous seeking of God's will to forbidden consultations with occult powers.
Consulting God and Righteous Counsel
Throughout Scripture, God's people are encouraged to consult the Lord for guidance. King David frequently 'inquired of the Lord' before making military decisions (1 Samuel 23:2, 30:8). The Psalms celebrate those who seek God's counsel: 'Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked' (Psalm 1:1). Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the value of wise counsel: 'Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed' (Proverbs 15:22). This reflects the biblical understanding that human wisdom is limited and that God provides direction through prayer, Scripture, and godly community.
Forbidden Consultations and Occult Practices
The Bible strongly condemns consulting supernatural sources other than God. Deuteronomy explicitly forbids consulting mediums, spiritists, or those with familiar spirits (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). King Saul's consultation with the medium at Endor, despite having banned such practices, led to his condemnation (1 Samuel 28:7-19). Ezekiel describes the king of Babylon consulting idols and liver omens at a crossroads, trying to discern which city to attack (Ezekiel 21:21). These practices represented rebellion against God's exclusive right to guide His people and often involved what Scripture identifies as demonic consultation.
Corporate Consultation and Decision-Making
Biblical consultation often occurred in community settings. Nehemiah 'consulted with himself' about Jerusalem's plight before taking action (Nehemiah 5:7), showing internal deliberation. More commonly, groups consulted together: the Babylonian officials 'consulted together to establish a royal statute' against Daniel (Daniel 6:7). In the New Testament, the religious leaders 'consulted together' to arrest Jesus secretly (Matthew 26:4). Jesus Himself used the metaphor of a king consulting whether he could wage war with limited resources (Luke 14:31). These examples show consultation as a normal part of human decision-making processes.
The Ultimate Source of True Counsel
The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of wisdom and counsel. Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah: 'And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor' (Isaiah 9:6). The Holy Spirit is called the 'Spirit of counsel' (Isaiah 11:2). Jeremiah contrasts human wisdom with divine guidance: 'I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps' (Jeremiah 10:23). The New Testament continues this theme, encouraging believers to be filled with the Spirit's wisdom rather than relying on worldly counsel (Ephesians 5:15-18).
Modern Applications of Biblical Consultation
For contemporary readers, the biblical practice of consultation challenges believers to examine where they seek guidance. The tension between quick human solutions and patient seeking of God's will remains relevant. The prohibition against occult consultation speaks to modern fascination with astrology, psychic readings, and other forms of supernatural guidance outside of God. The emphasis on community counsel counters individualistic decision-making, while the ultimate call to seek God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture provides a foundation for all life decisions.
Biblical Context
The concept of consultation appears throughout Scripture in various forms. In historical books like Samuel and Kings, kings and leaders frequently 'inquire of the Lord' before battles or major decisions. Wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs) contrasts righteous and wicked counsel. Prophetic books like Ezekiel and Isaiah address both proper consultation of God and condemnation of idolatrous consultation. The New Testament shows both positive consultation among believers and negative consultation among Jesus' opponents. Key narratives include David seeking God's guidance, Saul consulting the medium at Endor, Babylonian officials conspiring against Daniel, and religious leaders plotting against Jesus.
Theological Significance
Consultation reveals fundamental theological truths about humanity's dependence on guidance and God's role as the source of wisdom. It demonstrates human limitation and the need for divine direction. The prohibition against consulting other spiritual forces underscores God's exclusivity and sovereignty—He alone deserves our trust for guidance. The practice highlights the importance of community in discernment, reflecting the communal nature of God's people. Ultimately, consultation points toward humanity's need for the Holy Spirit's guidance and anticipates Christ as the Wonderful Counselor who perfectly reveals God's will.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, consultation with deities through priests, oracles, and divination was commonplace. Archaeological evidence shows extensive use of liver divination (hepatoscopy), astrology, and consultation of household gods (teraphim). Israel's neighbors regularly consulted omens, stars, and spirits. Against this backdrop, Israel's prohibition of such practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) was countercultural, establishing Yahweh as the only legitimate source of supernatural guidance. The consultation practices mentioned in Ezekiel 21:21 reflect actual Babylonian divination methods. Understanding this context highlights how radical Israel's commitment to consulting only Yahweh was in their historical setting.