Biblical Examples and Anecdotes in Decision-making and Action

Biblical narratives frequently illustrate decision-making processes and their consequences, offering examples for believers. These range from individual choices to collective actions, often highlighting the role of faith, obedience, and divine guidance.

One prominent theme is the importance of decision in serving God. Joshua exhorted the Israelites to "choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15), a call for clear commitment ^[6]. This decision-making is characterized by seeking God wholeheartedly, keeping His commandments, and following Him fully, as exemplified by Caleb (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:8) ^[6]. Conversely, a lack of decision is depicted as "halting between two opinions" (1 Kings 18:21) or having a "divided service" (Matthew 6:24), leading to double-mindedness (James 1:8) ^[6].

The Bible also presents numerous examples of individuals making significant decisions under divine instruction or in challenging circumstances. Abraham's early rising to execute God's command to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:3) is cited as an example of diligence in carrying out divine will ^[1]. Similarly, Gideon's actions (Judges 6:38) and Samuel's (1 Samuel 15:12) demonstrate promptness in fulfilling duties ^[1]. Jonathan, in his bold move against the Philistines, sought a sign from God to confirm his plan, indicating a reliance on divine guidance in his decision-making ^[9]. The conquest of Jericho, where the Israelites followed God's "unusual instructions," serves as another example of faith-driven obedience ^[10].

Leaders in the Bible are frequently shown making decisions that impact many. Paul, during a perilous sea voyage, assessed the situation, decided on a course of action, and led others, demonstrating strong leadership and faith in God (Acts 27:33-35) ^[7]. This is contrasted with figures like Jonah, who initially resisted God's command ^[7]. Rulers are specifically called to exercise justice in their decisions, particularly in executing judgment and dealing with the poor, fatherless, widows, and servants (Deuteronomy 16:18; Isaiah 1:17; Colossians 4:1) ^[4].

Biblical figures also provide examples of personal virtues in decision-making. Christ Himself is presented as the ultimate example of resignation to God's will (Matthew 26:39-44; John 12:27), even in the face of death (John 18:11) ^[2]. This resignation extends to accepting loss of goods or children (Job 1:15-21) and enduring bodily suffering (Job 2:8-10) ^[2]. Self-denial, another virtue, is exemplified by Christ (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38) and is presented as necessary for following Him and for spiritual warfare (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:4) ^[3]. This involves denying ungodliness, controlling appetite, and abstaining from fleshly lusts (Titus 2:12; 1 Peter 2:11) ^[3].

The concept of "example" itself is highlighted in scripture. Christ's life serves as an example for believers (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15), and pastors are encouraged to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:3) ^[5]. The experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) ^[5].

The efficacy of prayer in decision-making is also demonstrated. Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33) illustrates the power of prayer and the potential for God to spare the guilty for the sake of the righteous ^[8]. When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord in their distress, God raised up Othniel as a deliverer (Judges 3:9) ^[11].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Justice — Commanded -- De 16:20; Isa 56:1. Christ, an example of -- Ps 98:9; Isa 11:4; Jer 23:5. Specially required in rulers -- 2Sa 23:3; Eze 45:9. To be done In executing judgment. -- De 16:18; Jer 21:12. In buying and selling. -- Le 19:36; De 25:15. To the poor. -- Pr 29:14; 31:9. To the fatherless and widows. -- Isa 1:17. To servants. -- Col 4:1. Gifts impede -- Ex 23:8. God Requires. -- Mic 6:8. Sets the highest value on. -- Pr 2:13. Delights in. -- Pr 11:1. Gives wisdom to execute. -- 1Ki 3:11,12; Pr 2:6,9. Displeased with the want of. -- Ec 5:8. Brings its own”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Decision — Necessary to the service of God -- Lu 9:62. Exhortations to -- Jos 24:14,15. Exhibited in Seeking God with the heart. -- 2Ch 15:12. Keeping the commandments of God. -- Ne 10:29. Being on the Lord's side. -- Ex 32:26. Following God fully. -- Nu 14:24; 32:12; Jos 14:8. Serving God. -- Isa 56:6. Loving God perfectly. -- De 6:5. Blessedness of. -- Jos 1:7. Opposed to A divided service. -- Mt 6:24. Double-mindedness. -- Jas 1:8. Halting between two opinions. -- 1Ki 18:21. Turning to the right or left. -- De 5:32. Not setting the heart aright. -- Ps 78:8,37. Exe”
Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 27:33: 27:33-35 Paul’s words and actions are those of a true leader who personally assesses a perilous situation, decides on action, and leads others in solving the problem (cp. Neh 1–3; contrast Jon 1). Paul’s positive example and strong faith in God (Acts 27:22-25) encouraged the others to eat and take heart.”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 18:23: ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION. (Gen 18:23-33) Abraham drew near, and said, &c.--The scene described is full of interest and instruction--showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Pro 15:8; Jam 5:16). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure (Rom 3:5-6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's people (Mat 5:13; Mat 24:22).”
1 Samuel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Samuel 14:9: if they say, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand--When Jonathan appears here to prescribe a sign or token of God's will, we may infer that the same spirit which inspired this enterprise suggested the means of its execution, and put into his heart what to ask of God. (See on Gen 24:12).”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 11:30: 11:30 The conquest of Jericho (Josh 5:13–6:27) offers another example of great faith, as the people acted in obedience to God’s unusual instructions.”
Judges (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Judges 3:9: when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord--In their distress they had recourse to earnest prayer, accompanied by humble and penitent confession of their errors. Othniel--(See on Jos 15:16; Jdg 1:13). His military experience qualified him for the work, while the gallant exploits he was known to have performed, gained him the full confidence of his countrymen in his ability as a leader.”

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