Beseeching, in the biblical context, refers to the act of earnestly and fervently requesting or pleading, often in prayer or supplication. This term is frequently used in the Scriptures to describe the manner in which individuals approach God or others with deep humility and urgency.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, beseeching is often associated with prayer and supplication to God. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as "beseech" is "chanan," which conveys a sense of seeking favor or grace. For example, in Exodus 32:11, Moses beseeches the LORD on behalf of the Israelites after they sinned with the golden calf: "But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, 'O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?'"

Another instance is found in 1 Samuel 1:11, where Hannah, in her deep distress, beseeches the LORD for a child: "And she made a vow, saying, 'O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.'"

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word "parakaleo" is often translated as "beseech" or "urge." This term not only implies a request but also an exhortation or encouragement. The Apostle Paul frequently uses this term in his epistles to urge believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In Romans 12:1, Paul writes, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Beseeching is also seen in the context of prayer and intercession. In Philippians 4:6, Paul instructs the believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Here, the act of beseeching is linked with a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision.

Theological Significance

Beseeching reflects a posture of humility and dependence on God. It acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine intervention. In the biblical narrative, those who beseech God often do so with a recognition of His sovereignty and mercy. This act of earnest pleading is not merely about presenting requests but is deeply relational, rooted in faith and trust in God's character.

Furthermore, beseeching is an expression of the believer's active participation in God's redemptive work. Through prayer and supplication, believers align their hearts with God's will, seeking His guidance, strength, and provision. It is a vital aspect of the Christian life, demonstrating a commitment to living in accordance with God's purposes and a reliance on His grace.

Practical Application

For believers today, the practice of beseeching God in prayer is an essential discipline. It involves approaching God with sincerity, humility, and faith, trusting in His goodness and timing. Whether in times of personal need, intercession for others, or seeking guidance, beseeching is a powerful means of drawing near to God and experiencing His presence and peace. As Hebrews 4:16 encourages, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beseech.

2. (a.) Entreating urgently; imploring; as, a beseeching look.

3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage
... Definition to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage NASB Word Usage appeal (4),
appealed (1), appealing (2), beg (1), begging (2), beseeching (1), comfort (5 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3870.htm - 10k

Revelations of Divine Love
... " I am the Ground of thy beseeching. AFTER this our Lord shewed concerning Prayer. ...
How should it then be that thou shouldst not have thy beseeching? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xli.htm

The Entreaties of God
... I wish, therefore, to try to set forth the wonderfulness of this mystery of a
beseeching God, and to put by the side of it the other wonder and mystery of men ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the entreaties of god.htm

An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew Tells us How the ...
... Matthew proceeds with his narrative in the following terms: "And when Jesus was
entered into Capharnaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, and ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xx an explanation of the.htm

The Lord of Demons
... I. The demons beseeching Jesus through the man's voice. ... Again the man's voice speaks,
beseeching the direct opposite of what he really would have desired. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the lord of demons.htm

Rom. xii. 1
... And though he is so great and good a person, yet he does not decline beseeching
them, and that not for any enjoyment he was likely to get himself, but for that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xx rom xii 1.htm

How a Holy Friar, Having Read in the Legend of St Francis of the ...
... death he would perhaps reveal them, were he devoutly besought to do so." And from
that day forth the fervent friar betook himself to prayer, beseeching God and ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter liv how a holy.htm

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Pray for Himself?
... x): "Although His word of beseeching did not benefit Himself, yet He spoke for the
profit of our faith." Hence it seems that Christ prayed not for Himself but ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was fitting that 5.htm

Revelation of Moses.
... And Adam said to Eve: Arise, and go with our son Seth near paradise, and put earth
upon your heads, and weep, beseeching the Lord that He may have compassion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of moses/revelation of moses.htm

A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ...
... Thus we all alike looked up to heaven, and stretched out our hands in silence,
expecting help from above, and beseeching God to stand by those who were brought ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiii a further thanksgiving.htm

Holy Exercises
... 6. I offer unto Thee all the prayers and other exercises of piety which, through
Thy grace, I have or shall perform, beseeching Thee to accept them in union ...
/.../holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/holy exercises.htm

Beseeching (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beseech. 2. (a.) Entreating urgently; imploring; as, a
beseeching look. Multi-Version Concordance Beseeching (11 Occurrences). ...
/b/beseeching.htm - 9k

Wilt (324 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling
down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. ...
/w/wilt.htm - 36k

Imploring (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Implore. 2. (a.) That implores;
beseeching; entreating. Multi-Version Concordance Imploring (8 Occurrences). ...
/i/imploring.htm - 8k

Falling (233 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Mark 1:40 And there comes to him a leper, beseeching him, and falling on
his knees to him, and saying to him, If thou wilt thou canst cleanse me. ...
/f/falling.htm - 36k

Thoroughly (48 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:3 and having heard about Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, beseeching
him, that having come he might thoroughly save his servant. (YLT). ...
/t/thoroughly.htm - 20k

Entered (291 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him
a centurion, beseeching him, (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/entered.htm - 35k

Makkedah (8 Occurrences)
... chapter 10). See ing their danger, the men of Gibeon sent to the camp at Gilgal
beseeching Joshua to save and help them. That energetic ...
/m/makkedah.htm - 12k

Prayer (406 Occurrences)
... It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Exodus 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord"
(1 Samuel 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chronicles 32:20 ...
/p/prayer.htm - 80k

Beseemeth (2 Occurrences)

/b/beseemeth.htm - 6k

Beseecheth (1 Occurrence)

/b/beseecheth.htm - 6k

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