In the biblical context, the term "seer" refers to a prophet, an individual who is divinely inspired to perceive and communicate God's messages to His people. The role of a seer is closely associated with receiving visions and revelations from God, often concerning future events or divine will. The Hebrew word for seer is "ro'eh," which is used interchangeably with "nabi," meaning prophet.

Old Testament References

The concept of a seer is prominently featured in the Old Testament. One of the earliest mentions is in 1 Samuel 9:9, which provides insight into the terminology: "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 a seer." This passage highlights the evolution of the term and its synonymous use with "prophet."

Samuel, a significant figure in Israel's history, is often referred to as a seer. In 1 Samuel 9:19, Samuel himself acknowledges this role: "I am the seer," he tells Saul, indicating his position as a conduit of divine revelation. Samuel's role as a seer was crucial during the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Another notable seer is Gad, who served as a prophet during the reign of King David. In 2 Samuel 24:11, Gad is referred to as "David's seer," indicating his role in providing divine guidance to the king. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 21:9, Gad is again mentioned as a seer, emphasizing his prophetic function.

Characteristics and Functions

Seers were known for their ability to receive visions and dreams, which were considered divine communications. These visions often contained symbolic imagery and required interpretation. The seer's role was to convey these messages accurately to the people or individuals concerned, often providing guidance, warning, or insight into God's plans.

In addition to visions, seers were sometimes consulted for their ability to discern God's will in specific situations. This is evident in the account of Saul seeking Samuel's guidance regarding his father's lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9:6-10). The seer's insight was sought to provide clarity and direction.

Distinction from Other Prophets

While all seers are prophets, not all prophets are explicitly referred to as seers. The distinction lies primarily in the method of revelation. Seers are particularly associated with visions and visual experiences of divine messages. However, the broader role of a prophet encompasses various forms of communication from God, including spoken words, symbolic actions, and written messages.

New Testament Context

The New Testament does not explicitly use the term "seer," but the prophetic role continues through figures such as John the Baptist and the apostles. The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, is a prime example of a visionary experience akin to the Old Testament seers. John's visions of the end times and the messages to the seven churches reflect the seer tradition of receiving and communicating divine revelation.

Conclusion

The role of the seer in the Bible underscores the importance of divine communication and guidance throughout biblical history. Seers served as vital instruments through which God revealed His will, provided direction, and foretold future events, playing a crucial role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel.7203a. roeh -- a seer
... roeh. 7203b . a seer. Transliteration: roeh Short Definition: seer. Word Origin
from raah Definition a seer NASB Word Usage seer (10), seer's (1), seers (1). ...
/hebrew/7203a.htm - 5k

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... From the lips of a lawgiver, in the seer's vision, and in the prophet's burden of
reproof or consolation, the Divine spake, and the people heard and trembled. ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

The Old Judge and the Young King
... this same shall reign over My people.18. Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate,
and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is.19. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the old judge and the.htm

How Samuel Found a Leader
... As they were going up to the town, they met young women going out to draw water
and said to them, "Is the seer here?" They answered them, "He is there; he is ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm

Whether Faith is More Certain than Science and the Other ...
... being equal sight is more certain than hearing; but if (the authority of) the person
from whom we hear greatly surpasses that of the seer's sight, hearing is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith is more certain.htm

The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm
... prelude. Abruptly, and in clauses without verbs, the picture of the righteous
Ruler is divinely flashed before the seer's inward eye. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the dying kings last vision.htm

Third Tractate. On Providence (2).
... These, then, are presented as mingled both by their initial nature and by the
continuous process of their existence; and the Seer is not able to make a perfect ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/third tractate on providence 2.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... Orth."And again when we hear Amaziah saying to the prophet Amos, "Oh thou seer go
flee away into the land of Judah," [1428] and Saul enquiring: "Tell me I ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

The Book of Enoch
... he writes, [66] "the Holy Ghost, foreseeing from the beginning the future entrance
of superstitions, foretold by the mouth of the ancient seer Enoch." He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

Introduction.
... In that part of the Book of Enoch which is termed the Similitudes or Parables, He
who is here called "Son of man" is seen by the seer in company with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... Now this first destruction of Jerusalem adumbrated its final destruction under Titus,
and we cannot doubt that the seer is referring to this latter calamity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm

Seer's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Seer's (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 9:18 Then Saul
drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, "Tell me, please ...
/s/seer's.htm - 6k

Seers (8 Occurrences)

/s/seers.htm - 9k

Gateway (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said: 'Tell
me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is.' (See NIV). ...
/g/gateway.htm - 18k

Prophetess (8 Occurrences)
... should be noted, however, that women like Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges
4:4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) were not credited with the seer's insight into ...
/p/prophetess.htm - 10k

Apollyon (1 Occurrence)
... Destruction in person. The seer's picture is equally independent of the tradition
represented by the Talmud (Shabff. 55) where Abaddon ...
/a/apollyon.htm - 12k

Draweth (52 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:18 And Saul draweth nigh to Samuel in the midst of the gate, and saith,
'Declare, I pray thee, to me, where 'is' this -- the seer's house?' (YLT). ...
/d/draweth.htm - 21k

Approached (61 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Samuel 9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said,
"Tell me, please, where the seer's house is." (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/approached.htm - 24k

Sees (135 Occurrences)

/s/sees.htm - 35k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... At this point Saul proposed to return from the three days' fruitless search, but
his servant suggested that they should first consult the "seer." Hearing that ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

Drew (162 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, "Tell me,
please, where the seer's house is." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/d/drew.htm - 36k

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