Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, an "oracle" refers to a divine communication or revelation, often delivered through a prophet or a sacred medium. The concept of oracles is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where they serve as messages from God to His people, providing guidance, instruction, or prophecy.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, oracles are frequently associated with the prophetic messages delivered by God's chosen messengers. The Hebrew word often translated as "oracle" is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which can also mean "burden" or "utterance." These divine messages were typically conveyed to the Israelites through prophets, who acted as intermediaries between God and His people. One of the most notable examples of an oracle in the Old Testament is found in the account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. Despite being hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel, Balaam delivers an oracle of blessing instead. Numbers 24:4-5 records Balaam's words: "The oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!" The oracles of the prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, often contained warnings of judgment, calls to repentance, and promises of future restoration. These messages were integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, serving as both a guide and a corrective measure. The Temple and the Oracle The term "oracle" is also used in reference to the innermost part of the Temple, known as the Holy of Holies. This sacred space housed the Ark of the Covenant and was considered the earthly dwelling place of God's presence. In 1 Kings 6:19 , Solomon's Temple is described: "Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there." The Holy of Holies was a place where the high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. This act symbolized the mediation between God and His people, and the oracle, in this context, represented the divine presence and communication with Israel. New Testament Understanding In the New Testament, the concept of oracles shifts slightly, focusing more on the teachings and revelations of God as conveyed through Jesus Christ and the apostles. The Greek term "λόγια" (logia), meaning "sayings" or "oracles," is used to describe the divine revelations given to the early church. Romans 3:2 highlights the privilege of the Jewish people in receiving God's oracles: "Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God." This passage underscores the continuity of God's revelation from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of the Scriptures as the ultimate oracle of God. The apostle Peter also refers to the oracles of God in 1 Peter 4:11 , urging believers to speak as those who convey God's words: "If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God." This instruction reflects the responsibility of Christians to faithfully communicate the divine truths revealed in Scripture. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, oracles serve as a vital means of divine communication, guiding, instructing, and correcting God's people. Whether through the prophets of the Old Testament or the teachings of the New Testament, these messages underscore the importance of heeding God's word and living in accordance with His will. Easton's Bible Dictionary In the Old Testament used in every case, except 2 Samuel 16:23, to denote the most holy place in the temple (1 Kings 6:5, 19-23; 8:6). In 2 Samuel 16:23 it means the Word of God. A man inquired "at the oracle of God" by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate on the high priest's ephod. In the New Testament it is used only in the plural, and always denotes the Word of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12, etc.). The Scriptures are called "living oracles" (Comp. Hebrews 4:12) because of their quickening power (Acts 7:38). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle.2. (n.) Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given. 3. (n.) The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural. 4. (n.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself. 5. (n.) One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet. 6. (n.) Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. 7. (n.) A wise sentence or decision of great authority. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ORACLEor'-a-k'-l: Greek 5538. chrematismos -- a divine response, an oracle ... a divine response, an oracle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: chrematismos Phonetic Spelling: (khray-mat-is-mos') Short Definition: an oracle ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5538.htm - 6k 3051. logion -- a saying, an oracle 4436. puthon -- Python, a mythical serpent slain by Apollo ... 5530. chraomai -- to use, make use of 5537. chrematizo -- to transact business, to make answer Strong's Hebrew 4853b. massa -- utterance, oracle... 4853a, 4853b. massa. 4854 . utterance, oracle. Transliteration: massa Short Definition: oracle. Word Origin from nasa Definition ... /hebrew/4853b.htm - 5k 1687. debir -- perhaps (a place of) speaking (the innermost room ... 5002. neum -- utterance 907. bad -- empty, idle talk 1697. dabar -- speech, word 5001. naam -- to utter a prophecy, speak as a prophet 7081. qesem -- divination 2377. chazon -- vision Library Of the Oracle and Blessing which Isaac Received, Just as his ... Of the Oracle Found Inscribed an a Stone, when the Walls of ... The Emperor Consulting an Oracle, the Demon Gives no Response ... What Vengeance Overtook those who on Account of the Oracle Raised ... That the Persecution Originated on Account of the Oracle of Apollo ... Obadiah Let us See How He Continues after This: "These Events... Work Written by Julian Entitled "Aversion to Beards. " Daphne in ... The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm Book 3 Footnotes Thesaurus Oracle (57 Occurrences)... A man inquired "at the oracle of God" by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate on the high priest's ephod. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ORACLE. ... /o/oracle.htm - 26k Lemuel (3 Occurrences) Refined (26 Occurrences) Obadiah (21 Occurrences) Jakeh (1 Occurrence) Inner (141 Occurrences) Holies (23 Occurrences) Overlaid (50 Occurrences) Cherubs (52 Occurrences) Proverbs (11 Occurrences) Resources What are the oracles of God? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Habakkuk - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Oracle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Oracle (57 Occurrences)Numbers 23:7 Numbers 23:18 Numbers 24:3 Numbers 24:4 Numbers 24:15 Numbers 24:16 Numbers 24:20 Numbers 24:21 Numbers 24:23 2 Samuel 16:23 2 Samuel 23:1 1 Kings 6:5 1 Kings 6:16 1 Kings 6:17 1 Kings 6:19 1 Kings 6:20 1 Kings 6:21 1 Kings 6:22 1 Kings 6:23 1 Kings 6:31 1 Kings 7:49 1 Kings 8:6 1 Kings 8:8 2 Kings 9:25 2 Chronicles 3:16 2 Chronicles 4:20 2 Chronicles 5:7 2 Chronicles 5:9 Psalms 28:2 Psalms 36:1 Proverbs 16:10 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1 Isaiah 13:1 Isaiah 14:28 Isaiah 15:1 Isaiah 17:1 Isaiah 19:1 Isaiah 21:1 Isaiah 21:11 Isaiah 21:13 Isaiah 22:1 Isaiah 23:1 Isaiah 30:6 Jeremiah 23:33 Jeremiah 23:34 Jeremiah 23:36 Jeremiah 23:38 Jeremiah 50:36 Ezekiel 12:10 Nahum 1:1 Habakkuk 1:1 Zechariah 8:23 Zechariah 9:1 Zechariah 11:17 Zechariah 12:1 Malachi 1:1 Subtopics Oracle: The Scriptures are Called "Oracles" Related Terms |