Inquiry:
Is it OK to test (or tempt) God? Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7; and Luke 4:12 reveal that we should not test God, but Judges 6:36-40, 1 Kings 18:36-38, and 2 Kings 29:8-11 all show that it is OK to test God. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
The first thing we might note is that none of these circumstances are referred to as a test in the Scriptures. Each man asked God to confirm or reveal something. Gideon wanted to know that he indeed had been called to lead the people of Israel in battle. Elijah called upon God to reveal Himself to the people of Israel as the one true God. Hezekiah had been told that he would die, and then after he prayed, Isaiah told him that he would live. He sought confirmation that this was so.
There are several cases in the Scriptures where God provided a sign to confirm His word. Moses was given signs which helped to affirm his faith and which he use in Egypt before Pharaoh. Jesus performed many miracles in the presence of the people during the days of His ministry.
Hebrews 2:3-4 reveals that God bore witness to the apostles’ message by giving signs to confirm what they said.
These men did not seek to prove God wrong or to make light of something God had said. They asked that He confirm His word and He did. God did not feel tested or tempted by them.
There is no contradiction.
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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