Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5877 hesitation

5877 hesitation

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5877 hesitation

A delay in reaching a decision, or a reluctance to reach a decision, on account of uncertainty, caution or rebellion. Scripture provides examples of individuals who hesitate in the face of divine commands or promises, and indicates its dangers.

Examples of people who hesitated

Lot

Genesis 19:16

Lot's wife

Genesis 19:26 See also Genesis 19:17; Luke 17:32

Moses

Exodus 3:11,13; Exodus 4:1,10,13; Exodus 6:12

Peter in obeying the Lord

Acts 11:12 See also Acts 10:14-20

Other examples

Israel on approaching the promised land:

Numbers 13:31-33; Numbers 14:1-4 Judges 6:36-40 Gideon; 1 Kings 18:21 Israel in the time of Elijah; Jeremiah 1:6 Jeremiah

Examples of people who did not hesitate

Caleb

Numbers 13:30

Simon and Andrew

Matthew 4:18-20 pp Mark 1:16-18 pp Luke 5:10-11 pp John 1:40-42

Paul

Acts 20:27 See also Acts 20:20

Believers should not hesitate to act when they know what is right

They should not hesitate to speak

Isaiah 58:1

Jesus Christ commands immediate obedience

Luke 9:62 See also Luke 9:57-60 pp Matthew 8:19-22

God does not hesitate

To bring judgment

Ezekiel 24:14 See also Ezekiel 12:25; Daniel 9:14

The delay in Jesus Christ's return is not due to hesitation

2 Peter 3:9