Lexical Summary habar: To join, to unite, to bind together Original Word: הָבַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance astrologer A primitive root of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; to be a horoscopist -- + (astro-)loger. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition probably divide NASB Translation astrologers* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs הָבַר verb ? divide (so most, but dubious; Arabic  cut into large pieces, cut up, is perhaps Denominative from  a 'chunk' of meat; comparison of Arabic  be acquainted with, skilled in (AW Kn Di) is also doubtful; if correct, then read חבר; but compare below) — Qal Perfect3plural הברו Isaiah 47:13 Kt, Participle הֹבְרֵי Qr; הֹבְרֵ֯ו שָׁמַיִם הַחֹזִים בַּכּוֺכָּ בִים they that divide the heavens, that gaze at the stars (Kt would be rel. clause without אֲשֶׁר); ׳ה then refers to the distinguishing of signs of zodiac, or other astrological division of sky, compare Che; on zodiac in Babylon see JenKosmologie 57 ff; & on planets & constellations Idib. 95 ff. Epping & StrmAstronomisches aus Babylonian 109 ff.; — but text probably corrupt; GFM (June, 1892) suggests חֹקְרֵי (compare חקר אתהֿארץ Judges 18:2). Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate ContextThe noun הָבַר (hābar) appears once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 47:13. The prophet addresses Babylon’s queen-mother, personifying the empire at the height of its arrogance: “You are wearied by your many counsels; let them stand and save you— the astrologers, those who observe the stars, those who predict by the new moons what will happen to you”. Here hābar identifies a professional class of occult advisers whom the Babylonians trusted for political guidance, personal security, and religious reassurance. Historical Background Babylonian society prized celestial interpretation. Royal archives from Mesopotamia reveal extensive star catalogs and omen lists by which specialists attempted to decode future events. These court astrologers believed the heavens supplied divine signals that, once deciphered, could secure the empire’s fortunes. Isaiah’s taunt exposes the fragility of that system: when the LORD moves in judgment, even the most sophisticated astrologers prove powerless. Theology of Divine Revelation versus Occult Counsel 1. Exclusive divine prerogative Scripture insists that knowledge of the future belongs to the LORD alone (Isaiah 46:9-10). Human attempts to hijack this prerogative through occult arts provoke divine wrath (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-14). 2. Futility of occult practice Babylon’s hābar-class stands in a prophetic line of condemned practitioners—“magicians” of Egypt (Exodus 7:11), “sorcerers” of Nineveh (Nahum 3:4), and “enchanters” of post-exilic Israel (Malachi 3:5). Each episode underscores the same verdict: earthly powers are impotent against the sovereign decrees of God. 3. Contrast with true prophetic revelation Isaiah 47 contrasts futile stargazing with the LORD’s trustworthy word spoken through the prophets (Isaiah 44:6-8). Daniel echoes this theme before Nebuchadnezzar: “No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery... but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:27-28). Ministry Significance 1. Pastoral warning Modern culture still courts astrology, horoscopes, and other occult substitutes for divine revelation. Pastors and teachers can employ Isaiah 47:13 to expose the emptiness of such practices and call people to repentance. 2. Apologetic leverage The prophetic accuracy of Scripture, placed over against the failure of astrologers, provides a point of evangelistic dialogue: true prophecy validates the Bible’s inspiration (2 Peter 1:19-21). 3. Discipleship focus Believers are exhorted to seek guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit—never through cosmic signs (Psalm 119:105; Romans 8:14). Dependence on God’s counsel cultivates humility and faith (Proverbs 3:5-6). Christological and Eschatological Perspective Jesus Christ is proclaimed as “the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). All celestial glory finds its ultimate meaning in Him, and He alone can “save to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). Babylon’s astrologers could not avert judgment, but those who look to the risen Lord receive sure deliverance. At His return “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Matthew 24:29), silencing every false interpreter of the skies. Until that day the Church proclaims, “Your word, LORD, is forever settled in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). Forms and Transliterations הֹבְרֵ֣י הברי hō·ḇə·rê hōḇərê hoeReiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 47:13 HEB: [הָבְרוּ כ] (הֹבְרֵ֣י ק) שָׁמַ֗יִם NAS: Let now the astrologers, Those who prophesy KJV: of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, INT: now and save astrologer air agreement 1 Occurrence |
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