CONSULT. This word has two main Biblical uses:

1. It may mean “take counsel” with others, in the OT יָעַץ, H3619, (e.g. 1 Kings 12:6, 8), in the NT βουλεύομαι (e.g., Luke 14:31).

2. In the OT שָׁאַל, H8626, is used for consulting a deity concerning the future. Many passages speak of inquiring of the Lord, though without reference to the means (e.g., Josh 9:14; 1 Sam 14:37; 23:2). Others show that a prophet might be the means (e.g., Jer 38:14, 27), or the priest with his ephod (1 Sam 30:7f.) and Urim and Thummim (e.g., Num 27:21; Ezra 2:63). (See Urim and Thummim.) Israel was forbidden to consult mediums or idols (e.g., Deut 18:11; Isa 8:19f.; Hos 4:12), as the heathen did (e.g. Isa 19:3; Ezek 21:21), and as Saul did when he turned away from the Lord (1 Sam 28:3ff.; 1 Chron 10:13).