A precedent occurs when a previous event or action becomes an example or guide that is considered for similar circumstances in the future.

The idea beautifully describes the nature of teaching throughout scripture.

Paul stated that “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction” (Rom. 15:4) and the events of the Old Testament “happened as examples for us” (1 Co. 10:6).

Throughout scripture we learn both what should be done and what should not be done based on a precedent established.

By the definition provided, application of biblical events and actions are powerful examples that should and must be considered for similar circumstances in the future. The terminology we often use is “if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.”

Some of the greatest lessons on leadership are based on these biblical precedents. Over the next few weeks we want to examine a few of these precedents, as they apply to leadership, for the purpose of helping learn areas we need to consider when we face the same situations today.