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Seeking counsel of God is the first duty of Christian men.

I. WHY WE SHOULD ASK.

1. On account of our ignorance and short-sightedness. The way before us dark, uncertain. So reason would suggest to ask, etc. it is the course God's people have ever adopted. See Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 27:20); Moses (Exodus 33:12); David (2 Samuel 7:29).

2. On account of God's ability to give. He knows all the way before us.

3. On account of the fact that our best interests are involved in the counsel God can give. It is like the pillar and cloud, the compass of the mariner, light of day, etc.

II. WHAT WE MAY ASK.

1. As to our temporal concerns. Duties in the world, engagements, plans, and changes.

2. As to our relative concerns. Families, children, friends, etc. So Abraham and David; so all the truly pious.

3. As to our spiritual concerns. The way of experimental piety, usefulness, etc. Influence for good. The text speaks of the "way being prosperous."

III. How WE MUST ASK.

1. With a deep conviction of our exigency. Not self-sufficient.

2. With believing confidence. The promises are abundant for every scene. To lead, direct, keep, deliver, strengthen, protect, sanctify, save; hence we must calmly look and plead.

3. With a resolution to follow the counsel.

4. Through the person and advocacy of Christ.

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

WEB: In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day [their] inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.