The term "consulteth" is an archaic form of the verb "consult," which means to seek advice or information from someone or to consider something carefully. In the context of the Bible, consulting often involves seeking guidance or counsel, whether from God, prophets, wise individuals, or, in some cases, false sources such as idols or mediums.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Seeking Divine Guidance: Throughout the Scriptures, consulting God is portrayed as a righteous and wise action. The Israelites were often encouraged to seek God's counsel through prayer, the reading of the Law, and the words of the prophets. For instance, King David frequently inquired of the Lord before making significant decisions, demonstrating a reliance on divine wisdom (1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 2 Samuel 5:19, 23).

2. Consulting Prophets and Priests: In the Old Testament, prophets and priests served as intermediaries between God and the people. Consulting them was a common practice for those seeking to understand God's will. For example, King Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the prophet Micaiah before going to battle (1 Kings 22:5-28).

3. Warnings Against False Consultation: The Bible also warns against consulting false sources of guidance, such as idols, mediums, and spiritists. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, the Israelites are explicitly forbidden from engaging in such practices, as they are considered detestable to the Lord. King Saul's consultation with the medium at Endor is a notable example of disobedience in this regard (1 Samuel 28:7-20).

4. Consultation Among Leaders: The act of consulting is also seen among leaders and elders in the Bible, who would gather to discuss and make decisions. For instance, the elders of Israel consulted together when they demanded a king to rule over them, leading to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 8:4-5).

5. Consultation in the New Testament: While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "consulteth," the concept of seeking counsel is present. The early church leaders often gathered to consult and make decisions, as seen in the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders met to discuss the issue of Gentile believers and the Law (Acts 15:6-29).

Theological Implications

Consulting God and His appointed messengers is a demonstration of humility and acknowledgment of human limitations. It reflects a dependence on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. The Bible consistently portrays seeking God's counsel as a path to blessing and success, while reliance on false or ungodly sources leads to negative consequences.

Key Verses

· "David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?' The LORD replied to David, 'Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.'" (2 Samuel 5:19)
· "When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently. He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." (1 Samuel 28:5-6)
· "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:31)

In summary, the act of consulting in the Bible is closely tied to the pursuit of wisdom and guidance, with a strong emphasis on seeking the counsel of God and His appointed representatives, while avoiding false and ungodly sources.

Whether Divination Practiced by Invoking the Demons is Unlawful?
... anyone that consulteth soothsayers . . ... that consulteth pythonic spirits.". I answer
that, All divination by invoking demons is unlawful for two reasons. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination practiced by invoking.htm

The Apostle Has Made Known to us Certain Three Unions...
... the flesh, even in this it consults for the good of the flesh: not like as the flesh
lusting against the spirit, by such opposition consulteth neither for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 23 the apostle has.htm

Whether Divination is a Sin?
... you . . . any one that consulteth pythonic spirits, or fortune tellers":
and it is stated in the Decretals (26, qu. v, can. Qui ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination is a sin.htm

Whether it is Right to Distinguish Other Moral Precepts of the Law ...
... neither let there by any wizard nor charmer, nor anyone that consulteth pythonic
spirits, or fortune-tellers, or that seeketh the truth from the dead." The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is right to.htm

Psalm LVIII.
... sin: while these things he is planning, perchance that he may not be found out,
or that he may not be convicted of having done it, he consulteth an astrologer ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lviii.htm

How to Meet God
... 'Who, making war, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with
ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to meet god.htm

Psalm XLVI.
... For as that which is in the middle has equal distances to all the boundaries, so
God is said to be in the middle, because He consulteth equally for all. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvi.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... The Church in the Canticles took care not only for her own members, but for her
little sister, which she thought had no breast; yea, and consulteth with other ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

Consulteth (7 Occurrences)
...Consulteth (7 Occurrences). ... Deuteronomy 18:11 or a charmer, or one that inquireth
of a spirit of Python, or a soothsayer, or one that consulteth the dead. ...
/c/consulteth.htm - 8k

Lads (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/l/lads.htm - 12k

Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/f/forsaketh.htm - 11k

Counselled (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/c/counselled.htm - 14k

Counselling (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:6 And king Rehoboam consulteth with the elders who have been standing
in the presence of Solomon his father, in his being alive, saying, 'How are ye ...
/c/counselling.htm - 9k

Aged (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 10:6 And king Rehoboam consulteth with the aged men who have been standing
before Solomon his father in his being alive, saying, 'How are ye ...
/a/aged.htm - 25k

Inquireth (7 Occurrences)
... Inquireth (7 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 18:11 or a charmer, or one that inquireth
of a spirit of Python, or a soothsayer, or one that consulteth the dead. (DBY). ...
/i/inquireth.htm - 8k

Python (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Deuteronomy 18:11 or a charmer, or one that inquireth of a spirit of Python,
or a soothsayer, or one that consulteth the dead. (DBY). ...
/p/python.htm - 10k

Consult (27 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down
first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that ...
/c/consult.htm - 16k

Consulter (1 Occurrence)

/c/consulter.htm - 6k

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