Lexical Summary miqsam: Miktam Original Word: מִקְסָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance divination From qacam; an augury -- divination. see HEBREW qacam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qesem Definition divination NASB Translation divination (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִקְסָם] noun [masculine] divination; construct מִקְסַם חָלָק Ezekiel 12:24 ("" חזון שׁוא); מִקְסַם כָּזָכ Ezekiel 13:7 ("" מחזה שׁוא). Topical Lexicon Scope of the TermMiqsam designates an activity of occult prediction that masquerades as prophecy but is detached from the true voice of the Lord. It appears only twice, both in Ezekiel, and always in the plural with an explicitly negative or deceptive nuance. The restricted distribution highlights the seriousness with which Scripture treats any substitute for genuine revelation. Occurrences • Ezekiel 12:24 – “For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel.” Prophetic Setting in Ezekiel Ezekiel ministers to exiles in Babylon who are tempted to believe reassuring messages promising swift restoration. The prophet exposes counterfeit seers who claim supernatural insight while refusing the hard truth of impending judgment. By coupling “false vision” with miqsam, Ezekiel makes clear that these pronouncements are both fabricated and spiritually illicit. The Lord’s resolve to eliminate such practices (Ezekiel 12:24) anticipates the purifying purpose of exile: Israel must be taught to discern His authentic word. Contrast with Authentic Revelation 1. Source – True prophecy originates with the Lord’s Spirit (2 Peter 1:21); miqsam arises from human imagination or hostile spiritual powers. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern societies widely practiced forms of divination—extispicy, omen reading, necromancy—seeking guidance apart from the covenant God. Israel was explicitly forbidden to imitate these rites (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). In Babylon, such practices flourished in royal courts, so the exilic community faced constant pressure to re-embrace them, cloaking them in Yahwistic language. Ezekiel’s oracles therefore serve a polemical as well as pastoral purpose. Theological Significance • Divine Exclusivity – Miqsam violates the first commandment by attributing divine authority to unauthorized messages. Ministry Implications 1. Discernment – Churches must test every purported revelation against the whole counsel of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). New Testament Echoes While the term itself is absent, its concept surfaces in warnings against sorcery (Acts 8:9-24; Galatians 5:20) and false prophecy (Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1). The apostles apply the same principle: any revelation that bypasses or contradicts the gospel of Jesus Christ is counterfeit. Summary Miqsam represents counterfeit prophecy—flattering, deceptive, and ultimately condemned. Its brief yet forceful appearance in Ezekiel spotlights God’s unwavering commitment to safeguard His people from spiritual fraud and to preserve the purity of His self-revelation. Forms and Transliterations וּמִקְסַ֣ם וּמִקְסַ֥ם ומקסם ū·miq·sam umikSam ūmiqsamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 12:24 HEB: חֲז֥וֹן שָׁ֖וְא וּמִקְסַ֣ם חָלָ֑ק בְּת֖וֹךְ NAS: or flattering divination within KJV: nor flattering divination within INT: vision vain divination flattering within Ezekiel 13:7 2 Occurrences |
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