Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Refusal of Elders of Israel

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In the biblical narrative, the refusal of the elders of Israel to receive answers to their prayers is a significant theme that underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of rebellion against God. This theme is particularly evident in the context of Israel's history, where the elders, as leaders and representatives of the people, often played a crucial role in seeking divine guidance and intervention.

1. Context of Rebellion and Disobedience

The elders of Israel, throughout various periods, were often confronted with situations where their prayers were not answered due to their disobedience and rebellion against God. One notable instance is found in the book of Ezekiel, where the elders come to inquire of the Lord, but God refuses to answer them because of their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

Ezekiel 20:1-3 states: "In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of Me, declares the Lord GOD.'"

This passage highlights the refusal of God to entertain the inquiries of the elders due to their persistent idolatry and the breaking of the covenant. The elders' failure to lead the people in righteousness and their complicity in the nation's sins resulted in a divine refusal to answer their prayers.

2. The Role of Leadership and Accountability

The refusal of the elders' prayers serves as a reminder of the high standard of accountability expected from those in leadership positions. The elders were responsible for guiding the people in accordance with God's laws and commandments. When they failed in this duty, it not only affected their relationship with God but also had repercussions for the entire nation.

In 1 Samuel 8, the elders of Israel demand a king to rule over them, rejecting God's direct rule. This request displeases Samuel, the prophet, and God Himself, as it signifies a rejection of God's kingship. Although God instructs Samuel to heed their request, He warns them of the consequences of having a human king. This incident illustrates how the elders' desires, when misaligned with God's will, led to a form of divine refusal, as their request was granted but with a warning of future hardships.

3. Lessons on Prayer and Obedience

The refusal of the elders' prayers serves as a powerful lesson on the conditions under which God responds to the prayers of His people. It emphasizes the necessity of approaching God with a heart of obedience, humility, and repentance. The elders' experiences remind believers that God desires a relationship built on faithfulness and that persistent disobedience can hinder communication with Him.

In the New Testament, the principle of obedience in prayer is reiterated. James 4:3 states: "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This verse echoes the Old Testament theme that the condition of one's heart and motives play a crucial role in how God responds to prayer.

4. The Call to Repentance and Restoration

Despite the instances of refusal, the Bible also offers hope for restoration. God consistently calls His people, including their leaders, to repentance. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."

This promise underscores the possibility of restored communication with God when His people, including their leaders, turn back to Him with sincere hearts. The refusal of the elders' prayers serves as a cautionary tale but also as an invitation to return to a faithful relationship with God, where prayers are heard and answered according to His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 20:3
Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, said the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Mediator's Threefold Prayer
... Thus God ever answers the true hearts that seek to know ... of His mercy, whether in
granting Moses' prayer or in ... is granted, and to show that the refusal is but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the mediators threefold prayer.htm

The Call of Moses
... But mark that there is no refusal of the charge, though ... Moses' answer was more of
a prayer for help than ... wish to have them cleared up, He listens and answers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the call of moses.htm

Royal Murderers
... The brusque, flat refusal shows that some independence was ... of sickness and earnestness
of prayer; but Ahab ... scorn; and note how Ahab answers, bemoaning himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/royal murderers.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... of Moab, where he pronounced this solemn prayer or wish ... Balaam answers him, he hath
showed thee, O man ... the ambassadors, with an absolute refusal of accompanying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... against the Lord," the Holy Spirit answers, "The Lord ... are Eminent Examples of Repentance,
the Prayer of Manasseh ... sea and the whale, upon his refusal to preach ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Acts XVI
... can now account for Paul's stern refusal to circumcise ... He answers the prayers of
the unconverted, not by ... how quickly the soothing effects of prayer had still ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... And the description of the locality answers all requirements ... It was like His former
refusal of the pity of the ... not only the comfort that his prayer was answered ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... What answers to the seventh day is the rest of ... the Jews are deceived in their refusal
of Christ. ... I will first of all that prayer, supplications, intercessions ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... god, good, and spell, history or tidings) answers to the ... oil, whence he escaped unhurt;
his refusal to remain ... they were sent, with fasting and prayer and the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Footnotes
... It was therefore resolved, after prayer to God, to commit the ... "The heritors and elders
having now ... objections to it, which he notices and answers, are brought ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm