Throughout the history of Israel, there are notable instances where the nation failed to seek the guidance and counsel of the LORD, leading to significant consequences. This failure often resulted in disobedience, defeat, and divine displeasure. The Bible provides several examples that highlight the importance of seeking God's direction and the repercussions of neglecting to do so.

The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9:1-27)

One of the most prominent examples of Israel's failure to consult the LORD is found in the account of the Gibeonite deception. After the Israelites had successfully conquered Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites, fearing for their lives, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Israel. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and presented themselves to Joshua and the leaders of Israel.

Joshua 9:14-15 states, "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them." This failure to seek God's guidance led to an alliance with a people who were actually neighbors, contrary to God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

The Battle of Ai (Joshua 7:1-5)

Another instance of Israel's failure to consult the LORD occurred during the initial attempt to capture the city of Ai. After the victory at Jericho, the Israelites, confident in their own strength, sent only a small force to attack Ai without seeking the LORD's direction. Joshua 7:4-5 records, "So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water."

This defeat was a direct result of Israel's presumption and failure to inquire of the LORD, compounded by Achan's sin, which had brought God's anger upon the nation.

King Saul's Impatience (1 Samuel 13:8-14)

King Saul's reign provides another example of failing to consult the LORD. Facing the Philistine threat, Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive and offer sacrifices. Instead of seeking God's guidance, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered the burnt offering himself. 1 Samuel 13:13-14 recounts Samuel's rebuke: "You have acted foolishly," Samuel declared. "You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler of His people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command."

Saul's failure to wait for divine instruction led to the loss of his dynasty and the eventual rise of David as king.

King Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1-34)

King Jehoshaphat of Judah, known for his faithfulness, made a critical error by forming an alliance with King Ahab of Israel. Despite being a godly king, Jehoshaphat agreed to join Ahab in battle against Ramoth-gilead without initially seeking the LORD's counsel. Although he later inquired of the LORD through the prophet Micaiah, the alliance had already been formed, and the consequences were dire. Ahab was killed in battle, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life.

2 Chronicles 18:4 records Jehoshaphat's request, "But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, 'Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.'" This incident underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance before making alliances or decisions.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the necessity of seeking the LORD's counsel in all matters. Israel's failures in this regard serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the potential for disaster when God's guidance is neglected. These accounts remind believers of the importance of prayer, discernment, and reliance on divine wisdom in every aspect of life.