The concept of "Counsel to Flee" in the Bible often involves divine or prophetic guidance urging individuals or groups to escape impending danger or judgment. This counsel is typically given to preserve life, maintain righteousness, or fulfill God's purposes. The act of fleeing, when advised by God or His messengers, is portrayed as an act of obedience and faith.

Old Testament Instances

1. Lot's Escape from Sodom: One of the most notable examples is found in Genesis 19. God, through His angels, instructs Lot and his family to flee Sodom to avoid the impending destruction due to the city's wickedness. The angels explicitly command, "Flee for your lives! Do not look back or stop anywhere in the plain. Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17). Lot's obedience, albeit hesitant, results in his family's salvation, except for his wife, who disobeys and looks back, turning into a pillar of salt.

2. David's Flight from Saul: David, anointed to be the future king of Israel, receives counsel to flee from King Saul, who seeks his life out of jealousy and fear. In 1 Samuel 19:11-12, Michal, David's wife, warns him, "If you do not escape tonight, tomorrow you will be dead." David's flight is a recurring theme, demonstrating his reliance on God's guidance and protection during times of persecution.

3. Elijah's Flight from Jezebel: After his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel, who threatens his life. In 1 Kings 19:3, it is recorded, "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life." His flight leads him to Mount Horeb, where he encounters God and receives further instruction and encouragement.

New Testament Instances

1. Flight to Egypt: In the New Testament, Joseph is divinely instructed to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus to escape King Herod's massacre of the innocents. Matthew 2:13 records the angel's warning: "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him." This flight fulfills prophecy and ensures the safety of the Messiah.

2. Counsel to Flee Persecution: Jesus Himself advises His followers to flee persecution in certain circumstances. In Matthew 10:23, He instructs, "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next." This counsel underscores the importance of preserving life and continuing the mission of spreading the Gospel.

3. The Flight from Judea: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warns of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and advises, "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Matthew 24:16). This prophetic counsel is meant to protect believers from the devastation that would occur in 70 A.D.

Theological Implications

The counsel to flee, as depicted in Scripture, is not an act of cowardice but rather a strategic and obedient response to divine guidance. It reflects a trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for preservation and deliverance. The act of fleeing, when divinely instructed, serves as a means of fulfilling God's purposes, whether it be the preservation of a righteous remnant, the protection of the Messiah, or the continuation of the Gospel mission.