Difference between revisions of "Seer"

<p> We read in the First [[Book]] of Samuel that he "who was then called a prophet was before time called a seer." (1 Samuel 9:9) I think it is very remarkable, however, that there is this striking difference between the two names, in that we find the word seer made use of as being the king's seer, but when the name of prophet is used, it is said "the prophet of the Lord." Thus of Samuel it is said that"all Israel, from [[Dan]] even to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord." (1 Samuel 3:20) But concerning the name of seer, we find frequent mention made of this character, not as the Lord's seer, but the king's; thus [[Gad]] is called the prophet Gad, but expressly said to be David's seer; (see 2 Samuel 24:11) So [[Heman]] is called the king's seer, though he is not said to have been a prophet of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 25:5) I do not presume to explain the circumstances wherein the difference lies. Some have thought that a seer was only a recorder of the events of the king's reign. A prophet was one who acted in the Lords name, and by the Lord's authority. The offices in this ease no doubt differed, but, as in the instance of Gad, reign, be performed by one and the same person. But I add no farther observations on the subject. </p>

<p> In the days of Samuel it is said "a prophet was beforetime called a seer." 1 Samuel 9:9 . They were so-called apparently because they were given of [[God]] to <i> fore-see </i> events or to see visions. This is confirmed by Isaiah 30:10 , where rebellious Israel, in effect, said to the seers, " <i> See not. </i> " They did not want to hear what God had to say to them. Ezekiel also says, "Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit and have <i> seen nothing </i> !" Ezekiel 13:3 . </p>

<p> One supernaturally enlightened to see things which [[God]] only can reveal; applied to certain Hebrews prophets, 1 Samuel 9:9 2 Chronicles 29:30 33:18,19 Isaiah 29:10 30:10 . Compare Numbers 24:3,4 . </p>

<p> (1): (n.) One who sees. </p> <p> (2): (a.) Sore; painful. </p> <p> (3): (n.) A person who foresees events; a prophet. </p>

<p> Seer. See [[Prophet]]. </p>

<p> ''''' sē´ẽr ''''' , ''''' sēr ''''' : The word in English [[Versions]] of the [[Bible]] represents two [[Hebrew]] words, ראה , <i> ''''' rō'eh ''''' </i> ( 1 Samuel 9:9 , 1 Samuel 9:11 , 1 Samuel 9:18 , 1 Samuel 9:19; 2 Samuel 15:27; 1 Chronicles 9:22 , etc.), And חזה , <i> '''''ḥōzeh''''' </i> (2 Samuel 24:11; 2 Kings 17:13; 1 Chronicles 21:9; 1 Chronicles 25:5; 1 Chronicles 29:29 , etc.). The former designation is from the ordinary verb "to see"; the latter is connected with the verb used of prophetic vision. It appears from 1 Samuel 9:9 that "seer" ( <i> '''''rō'eh''''' </i> ) was the older name for those who, after the rise of the more regular orders, were called "prophets." It is not just, however, to speak of the "seers" or "prophets" of Samuel's time as on the level of mere fortune-tellers. What insight or vision they possessed is traced to God's Spirit. Samuel was the <i> '''''rō'eh''''' </i> by pr-eeminence, and the name is little used after his time. Individuals who bear the title "seer" ( <i> '''''ḥōzeh''''' </i> ) are mentioned in connection with the kings and as historiographers (2 Samuel 24:11; 1 Chronicles 21:9; 1 Chronicles 25:5; 1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29; 2 Chronicles 12:15; 2 Chronicles 19:2 , etc.), and distinction is sometimes made between "prophets" and "seers" (2 Kings 17:13; 1 Chronicles 29:29 , etc.). Havernick thinks that "seer" denotes one who does not belong to the regular prophetic order ( <i> Introductions to Old [[Testament]] </i> , 50 ff, English translation), but it is not easy to fix a precise distinction. See [[Prophet]] , [[Prophecy]] . </p>