The term "inquirest" is an archaic form of the word "inquire," which means to ask or seek information. In the context of the Bible, inquiring often refers to seeking guidance, wisdom, or understanding from God. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where individuals and leaders frequently sought divine direction through prayer, prophets, or the Urim and Thummim.

Biblical Instances of Inquiry

1. David's Inquiries: King David is a prominent biblical figure known for inquiring of the Lord. In 1 Samuel 23:2 , David inquires of the Lord whether he should attack the Philistines, and the Lord responds affirmatively. Again, in 1 Samuel 30:8 , David inquires of the Lord about pursuing the Amalekites, and God assures him of success. These instances highlight David's reliance on divine guidance in his leadership.

2. Solomon's Wisdom: Solomon, known for his wisdom, is another figure associated with inquiry. In 1 Kings 3:9 , Solomon asks God for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." This request for wisdom is a form of inquiry, seeking God's guidance to rule justly.

3. Prophetic Guidance: The prophets often served as intermediaries for those seeking God's will. In 2 Kings 22:13 , King Josiah sends his officials to "inquire of the LORD" concerning the words of the Book of the Law found in the temple. This demonstrates the role of prophets and priests in conveying divine messages to the people.

4. The Urim and Thummim: In the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim were used by the high priest to inquire of God. In Numbers 27:21 , it is mentioned that Eleazar the priest will use the Urim to inquire for Joshua before the Lord. This practice underscores the importance of seeking God's counsel in decision-making.

Theological Significance

Inquiring of the Lord is a demonstration of humility and dependence on God's wisdom rather than human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage encapsulates the essence of biblical inquiry—acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His direction in all aspects of life.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of inquiry shifts towards seeking understanding of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Jesus encourages His followers to ask, seek, and knock in Matthew 7:7-8 , promising that those who do so will receive, find, and have doors opened to them. This teaching emphasizes the importance of persistent seeking and the assurance of divine response.

Practical Application

For believers today, inquiring of the Lord involves prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking the counsel of mature Christians. James 1:5 offers encouragement: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God is willing to provide wisdom to those who earnestly seek it.

In summary, the practice of inquiring of the Lord is a vital aspect of the biblical faith journey, reflecting a heart that seeks to align with God's will and purposes.

Psalm LXIX.
... We do not reply as in the case of men, when thou inquirest what is father Abraham,
we answer a man; the substance of him serveth for answer: thou inquirest ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxix.htm

How Holy Charity Produces the Love of Our Neighbour.
... And when he was speaking many good things of him, the angel said to Raguel: Tobias
concerning whom thou inquirest is this young man's father. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi how holy charity.htm

Colossians ii. 16-19
... yea rather, so play the fool! What punishment shall these not suffer? And inquirest
thou still, why there are robbers? why murderers? why such evils? ...
/.../homily vii colossians ii 16-19.htm

The Holy War,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Inquirest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Inquirest (3 Occurrences). Job 10:6 That thou inquirest
after mine iniquity, And searchest after my sin, (ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT). ...
/i/inquirest.htm - 7k

Inquireth (7 Occurrences)

/i/inquireth.htm - 8k

Inquires (3 Occurrences)

/i/inquires.htm - 7k

Seekest (12 Occurrences)
... And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Job
10:6 That Thou inquirest for mine iniquity, And for my sin seekest? (YLT). ...
/s/seekest.htm - 10k

Sinning (59 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Job 35:3 That thou inquirest: 'What advantage will it be unto Thee?' And:
'What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?' (See NIV). ...
/s/sinning.htm - 23k

Inquire (95 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 7:10 Say not thou: 'How was it that the former days were better than
these?' for it is not out of wisdom that thou inquirest concerning this. ...
/i/inquire.htm - 39k

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