1 Samuel 30:7- 8
And David said to Abiathar the priest … “Bring me the ephod.” … And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue; for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue”

How did David inquire of the Lord? How did the Holy Spirit speak to him? What role did prophecy play? Why do we seek God’s guidance in a different way today?

Inquiry under the New Covenant

What is the New Testament equivalent of inquiring of the Lord? How are we to seek specific guidance today? The use of lots to discover the Lord’s will (Proverbs 16:33) is a pre-Pentecost practice. The final use of lots in the Bible was to determine God’s choice of an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:23-26; cf. 1 Samuel 10:20-22). Just as the Urim and Thummim were superseded by inquiring by prophets in the Old Testament, so lots became obsolete after Pentecost.

Neither do we discover in the New Testament any encouragement to go to inquire of a prophet for personal guidance, as people had inquired of seers and prophets in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 9:9). Though New Testament prophets sometimes bring a word of personal prophecy (Acts 21:10-14; 31:2; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25), this seems to function alongside of other forms of guidance which would confirm it. For example, in the presence of prophets and teachers seeking God at Antioch, “the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have already called them'” (Acts 13:2). Indeed, if God had not already directed Paul to proceed to Jerusalem despite the dangers (Acts 19:21; 20:22-23), he would have misunderstood a personal prophecy through Agabus (Acts 21:10-14; vs. 4). Our primary means of inquiry today is of God Himself through the Spirit, not through intermediaries.

It is surprising that David, despite his anointing by the Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13) and prophetic gifts exercised in the Psalms (Acts 2:30), could not inquire of the Lord without the aid of a priest with Urim and Thummim. This magnifies the wonderful fulness of the Holy Spirit’s presence we experience. By the indwelling Spirit we have direct access to inquire of the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:9-16, especially vs. 16). If we are quiet before the Lord, His direction is often a gentle “yes” or “no” spoken to our spirit. A “yes” might be a deep peace or a “nudge”. A “no” can be a “check” of the Spirit, a lack of peace, or a closed door. Occasionally the Spirit may put specific directions in our minds, so clearly and specifically that we are confident these are from Him. For major life direction, however, it is wise to confirm our guidance through counsel with the consecrated servants of God. Very often we receive no answer at all. This calls for patience, trust, and continued waiting on the Lord.

We look forward to the coming of our Lord, when the need to inquire for God’s guidance will be no more:

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.(1 Cor 13: 10)

Our spiritual calling is beautiful if we understand the scriptures. We do not need to go to any bible school to learn how to interpret scriptures. As we stay in the presence of The Lord, and delight in him daily, the Holy Spirit will teach us, and the scriptures will open up to us and give us light and life. The letter kills but the spirit gives life.

Stay Blessed 😊
Ravi