Topical Bible: Prophets: Called Seers

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In the biblical context, prophets are often referred to as "seers," a term that emphasizes their role in receiving and conveying divine revelations. The Hebrew word for seer is "ro'eh," which is used interchangeably with "nabi," the more common term for prophet. The distinction between these terms is subtle, with "seer" highlighting the visionary aspect of the prophetic office.

Biblical References and Roles

The term "seer" is prominently used in the Old Testament. One of the earliest mentions is in 1 Samuel 9:9, which provides a historical note: "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called the seer." This passage indicates that the role of the seer was well-established in Israelite society as a conduit for divine guidance.

Seers were known for their ability to perceive things beyond the natural realm, often receiving visions or dreams that conveyed God's messages. This is evident in the ministry of Samuel, who is described as a seer in 1 Samuel 9:19: "I am the seer," Samuel replied. "Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you will eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart."

Characteristics and Functions

Seers, like other prophets, served as intermediaries between God and His people. They were tasked with delivering messages of warning, guidance, and encouragement. Their insights often pertained to future events, moral and spiritual direction, and the will of God for individuals and the nation of Israel.

The visionary aspect of the seer's role is further illustrated in the life of Gad, David's seer, who provided counsel and direction during critical moments in David's reign (2 Samuel 24:11). Similarly, the Chronicles mention Iddo the seer, whose records contributed to the historical accounts of the kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 9:29).

Theological Significance

The role of the seer underscores the belief in a God who communicates with His people, revealing His plans and purposes through chosen individuals. This divine communication was not limited to verbal messages but often included symbolic visions and dreams, requiring interpretation and discernment.

The seer's ability to "see" beyond the physical realm is a testament to the supernatural nature of their calling. This aspect of their ministry is highlighted in 2 Kings 6:17, where Elisha, a prophet with seer-like qualities, prays for his servant's eyes to be opened to see the heavenly army surrounding them: "And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

Legacy and Continuation

The concept of the seer continues to hold significance in the broader understanding of prophecy within the biblical narrative. While the specific title of "seer" becomes less common in the New Testament, the prophetic office remains vital, with figures like John the Baptist and the Apostle John receiving and proclaiming divine revelations.

In summary, seers played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel, serving as God's mouthpieces and visionaries. Their legacy is a reminder of the dynamic and ongoing relationship between the divine and the human, characterized by revelation, insight, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 9:19
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me to the high place; for you shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart.
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2 Samuel 15:27
The king said also to Zadok the priest, Are not you a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
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2 Samuel 24:11
For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,
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2 Kings 17:13
Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn you from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.
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1 Chronicles 9:22
All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.
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1 Chronicles 29:29
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
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2 Chronicles 9:29
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
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2 Chronicles 12:15
Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
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2 Chronicles 29:30
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
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Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
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Micah 3:7
Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yes, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.
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Library

Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
... first and chiefly consists in knowledge, because, to wit, prophets know things ... vii,
8), "in the Old Testament, they were called Seers, because they saw what ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prophecy pertains to knowledge.htm

The Book of God
... we live has broadened immeasurably since the days of the Hebrew prophets and seers. ...
When the prophets called upon the people to walk with God, they implied a ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter iv the book of.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... For this reason too the prophets were called seers, [1432] because they saw
Him whom others did not see. Abraham saw His day and was glad. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... was born the Child, and His name was called Wonder ... Shamed is that people which holds
the prophets as true ... of the Truth and fulfilled the true seers' words, which ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Psalm LXXXIX.
... Thou didst reveal this to Thy Prophets. For this reason Thou spakest in vision,
that is, in revelation: whence Prophets were called seers. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... Sometimes, possibly, they called it The Psalms, because the book of the ... to historical
writings of various sorts, composed by prophets and seers, and thus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ...
... demons, the very God of Israel is now called the God ... faith, or to controvert the
truth of those prophets of ours ... to take the books of their own seers, and read ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxii a statement in vindication.htm

The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... ancient Israel so that they became seers and prophets ... as the greatest of the later
prophets declares (Isaiah ... favors, but rather that they were called to service ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/iv the place of the.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... THE PROPHETS OF GOD wore anciently called seers, for they had a supernatural sight
which could pierce through the gloom of the future and behold the things ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

The Doctrine of the Truth Continued.
... as He willed, He also formed (objects), He called them by ... of God; and these have
been styled prophets, [1091] on ... not at the time merely when seers furnished a ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxix the doctrine of the.htm