A prognosticator, in biblical terms, refers to an individual who claims the ability to predict future events or discern hidden knowledge through various means, often associated with divination or sorcery. The Bible addresses the practice of prognostication in several passages, generally condemning it as contrary to the will and guidance of God.

Biblical References and Context

The practice of prognostication is often linked with divination, sorcery, and other forms of seeking knowledge apart from God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are explicitly warned against engaging in such practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."

The role of a prognosticator is often associated with false prophets and those who lead people away from the truth of God. In Isaiah 47:13 , the prophet mocks the Babylonian reliance on astrologers and stargazers, saying, "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them stand up and save you—those who divide the heavens and gaze at the stars, who predict the new moons—let them save you from what is coming upon you."

Prognosticators vs. Prophets

A clear distinction is made in the Bible between prognosticators and true prophets of God. While prognosticators rely on forbidden practices to foretell the future, true prophets receive direct revelation from God. The Bible emphasizes that true prophecy comes from God alone, as seen in 2 Peter 1:21 : "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Condemnation and Consequences

The Bible consistently condemns prognosticators and those who seek their counsel. In Jeremiah 27:9-10 , God warns the people not to listen to false prophets and diviners: "So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who say to you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ For they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land; and I will banish you and you will perish."

The consequences of following prognosticators are severe, as they lead individuals away from reliance on God and His Word. In the New Testament, Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, whom Paul rebukes and frees from the spirit, demonstrating the power of God over such practices.

Reliance on God

The Bible encourages believers to rely on God for guidance and wisdom rather than turning to prognosticators. James 1:5 assures believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This reliance on God is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing faith and trust in His sovereign will and timing.

In summary, the role of a prognosticator is consistently portrayed in the Bible as contrary to the teachings and commands of God. Believers are urged to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, rejecting any form of divination or false prophecy.3045. yada -- to know
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lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have ...
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Depravity Lies at the Bottom of Demon-Worship.
... Apollo was a prognosticator and a teacher of soothsayers: in the matter of Daphne
he deceived himself. An oak, forsooth, is oracular, and birds utter presages! ...
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