Oracles?? What are they?

[hannahrachel]

I have seen the word oracle in the bible several times, always wondered what they or it is?:confused I know what it means in the occult circles, but who or what are they or it in the bible referring too? I read the definition of oracle, but who were or are they still in reference to the bible and the Lord?:confused

While I am at it what is a seraphims purpose, and how is it different from let say an archangel purpose? I figure I might get some answers to things from you at RR as I do not have a personal pastor. Plus anything related to the Lord, here on the board and home around town is where I fellowship with other Christians.:nod

As the last pastor:mad tried to kill my spirit by calling me a witch, yes, literally, a practicing witch and that I(just imagine my power if this was true), he told me all by myself I was dividing his church because I believe we are saved through the blood of Christ, faith and grace, and he didn't. Because of the last straw with this church and can't remember how many others, I no longer go to church, as I do not trust the words of men. I stick with the word and the Lord, and my fellowship here to learn and hopefully encourage some too, so sorry for some questions that may seem obvious to you, I may need another witness to a problem or a question I have prayed about or just need fellowship, so please bear with me!:redface in His awesome Love, hannahrachel :wave

[Patty T]

From Romans 3:1, 2...

Rom 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?

Rom 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.


Greek for 3051

Pronunciation Guide logion {log'-ee-on}

TDNT Reference Root Word
TDNT - 4:137,505 from 3052
Part of Speech n n

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) a brief utterance, a divine oracle (doubtless because oracles were generally brief)

a) in the NT, the words or utterances of God

b) of the contents of the Mosaic law


I hope this helps hannah :hug

[RobinB]

I always thought an "oracle" was the device you pushed around the Ouija board, definitely having to do with the occult.:confused

[hannahrachel]

I always thought an "oracle" was the device you pushed around the Ouija board, definitely having to do with the occult.:confused

Yes, that was what I orginally thought, but if you read what PattyT wrote, they are in the bible, I actually thought they were some what like propets but the description doesn't fit that.:confused So now I still need help, are they people or spoken words from G-d that were given to the prophets? Still not understanding there purpose and I believe they are mentioned more than once, at least I thought so, off to my concordance!!:nod

Thanks PattyT that helped, now I want more, greedy little thing aren't I, not really just a beyond curious person!:lol with thanks in His love, hannahrachel :wave

[kjlistrom]

Hi Hannahrachel
I have aways thought of the oracles of God as the inner most teaching or words of God. The words that go deep in to you, those are the oracles of God, I hope this helps.
I guess you old paster wouldn't like me either cause it's the blood that has washed me

[kjlistrom]

The seraphs were created to proclaim the holyness of God and His glory
Isaiah 6:2-4

[My Abba's Child]

I have seen the word oracle in the bible several times, always wondered what they or it is?:confused I know what it means in the occult circles, but who or what are they or it in the bible referring too? I read the definition of oracle, but who were or are they still in reference to the bible and the Lord?:confused

I think Patty gave a pretty good explanation. Oracles were generally deep messages that naturally could not be seen or known about either the present or the future... perhaps oracles, in the Biblical sense, are prophecies or the deep and personal revelations that God gives us when we read and meditate upon His word?

While I am at it what is a seraphims purpose, and how is it different from let say an archangel purpose? I figure I might get some answers to things from you at RR as I do not have a personal pastor. Plus anything related to the Lord, here on the board and home around town is where I fellowship with other Christians.:nod

mentioned in Isa 6:2, 3, 6, 7. This word means fiery ones, in allusion, as is supposed, to their burning love. They are represented as "standing" above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of wings. This word, in the original, is used elsewhere only of the "fiery serpents" ( Num 21:6,8; Deu 8:15; Isa 14:29; 30:6) sent by God as his instruments to inflict on the people the righteous penalty of sin. So it seems that the Seraphim are God's ministers, whereas Archangels, which Michael is one of the princes of, are God's warriors?

As the last pastor:mad tried to kill my spirit by calling me a witch, yes, literally, a practicing witch and that I(just imagine my power if this was true), he told me all by myself I was dividing his church because I believe we are saved through the blood of Christ, faith and grace, and he didn't. Because of the last straw with this church and can't remember how many others, I no longer go to church, as I do not trust the words of men. I stick with the word and the Lord, and my fellowship here to learn and hopefully encourage some too, so sorry for some questions that may seem obvious to you, I may need another witness to a problem or a question I have prayed about or just need fellowship, so please bear with me!:redface in His awesome Love, hannahrachel :wave

:hug So sorry, Hannahrachel. I wonder what version of the Bible he read if he doesn't believe we are saved through the blood of Christ, faith and grace? If you know, please let US know so we can AVOID it! :laugh

Please don't let the weaknesses and failures of other human beings keep you from exercising your gifts of the Spirit, Hannahrachel... that's another one of the reasons Jesus established His church (not just for fellowship).

In His love,

[Joshua's Gen]

Easton's Bible Dictionary:


Oracle
In the Old Testament used in every case, except 2Sa_16:23, to denote the most holy place in the temple (1Ki_6:5, 1Ki_6:19-23; 1Ki_8:6). In 2Sa_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 (Rom_3:2; Heb_5:12, etc.). The Scriptures are called “living oracles” (Compare Heb_4:12) because of their quickening power (Act_7:38).

Fausset's Bible Dictionary:


Oracles

(1) divine utterances, as those by Urim and Thummim and the ephod of the high priest: 1Sa_23:9; 1Sa_30:7-8.
(2) The place where they were given (2Sa_16:23; 1Ki_6:16), "the most holy place." In the New Testament the Spirit-inspired Scriptures (Rom_3:2; Heb_5:12; 1Pe_4:11) of the Old Testament are so called. Others translated, "let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles of God," which designates the New Testament words (afterward written) of inspired men by the same term as was applied to the Old Testament Scriptures; in the Greek there is no article. The pagan "oracles" ceased when Christianity supplanted paganism. Paul's casting out "the spirit of pithon" (divination) implies that the ancient oracles were not always imposture, but were sometimes energized by Satanic powers (Act_16:16).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:


Oracle
or´a-k'l: (1) A divine utterance delivered to man, usually in answer to a request for guidance. So in 2Sa_16:23 for דּבר, dābhar (“word,” as in the Revised Version margin). The use in this passage seems to indicate that at an early period oracular utterances were sought from Yahweh by the Israelites, but the practice certainly fell into disuse at the rise of prophecy, and there are no illustrations of the means employed (1Sa_14:18, 1Sa_14:19, 1Sa_14:36-42, etc., belong rather to DIVINATION (which see)). In. the Revised Version margin of such passages as Isa_13:1, “oracle” is used in the titles of certain special prophecies as a substitute for BURDEN (which see) (משּׂא, massā'), with considerable advantage (especially in Lam_2:14). (2) In heathen temples “oracle” was used for the chamber in which the utterances were delivered (naturally a most sacred part of the structure). This usage, coupled with a mistake in Hebrew philology (connecting דּביר, debhīr, “hinder part,” with דּבּר, dibbēr, “speak”), caused English Versions of the Bible to give the title “oracle” to the Most Holy Place of the Temple, in 1Ki_6:5, etc., following the example of Aquila, Symmachus and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) But the title is very unfortunate, as the Most Holy Place had nothing to do with the delivery of oracles, and the Revised Version (British and American) should have corrected (compare Psa_28:2 margin). (3) In the New Testament English Versions of the Bible employs “oracle” as the translation of λόγιον, lógion, “saying,” in four places. In all, divine utterances are meant, specialized in Act_7:38 as the Mosaic Law (“living oracles” = “commandments enforced by the living God”), in Rom_3:2 as the Old Testament in general, and in Heb_5:12 as the revelations of Christianity (Heb_6:2, Heb_6:3). In 1Pe_4:11 the meaning is debated, but probably the command is addressed to those favored by a supernatural “gift of speech.” Such men must keep their own personality in the background, adding nothing of their own to the inspired message as it comes to them.

King James Dictionary:


Oracle
A declaration; something uttered.

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the ORACLES of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Heb_5:11-12)

Nave's Topical Bible:


Oracle

The Holy Place
1Ki_6:5; Psa_28:2
The scriptures called oracles
Act_7:38; Rom_3:2; Heb_5:12; 1Pe_4:11
See Tabernacle

Vine's Dictionary of New Testament Words:


Oracle <1,,3051,logion>
a diminutive of logos, "a word, narrative, statement," denotes "a Divine response or utterance, an oracle;" it is used of (a) the contents of the Mosaic Law, Act_7:38; (b) all the written utterances of God through OT writers, Rom_3:2; (c) the substance of Christian doctrine, Heb_5:12; (d) the utterance of God through Christian teachers, 1Pe_4:11.

Notes: Divine "oracles" were given by means of the breastplate of the high priest, in connection with the service of the tabernacle, and the Sept. uses the associated word logeion in Exo_28:15, to described the breastplate.

[DeeLeeKay]

I always took it to mean the prophecies given to the Old Testament Prophets. Aka-Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah etc.... Satan always tries to mimic God hence the truth is close to the deception.

[CAT]

Here's another scripture on that-

1peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

So perhaps- a person could be like an oracle.

CAT

[littleone]

Acts 7:38, 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: I would almost assume that this verse speaks about the Living Word of God which would be the commandments and instructions given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Romans 3:1, 2 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Did we not get the Old Testament Scriptures from the Jews?

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Apparently the one that wrote this was saying that those he was addressing did not have an accurate understanding of the Scriptures and obviously need be taught the Word of God as little ones who are not ready for the meat of the Word,
The reason I point this out is because if you read 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: You will notice the similarity of what is being said.

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. To proclaim the Word of God.

Does this help?

[hannahrachel]

:hug So sorry, Hannahrachel. I wonder what version of the Bible he read if he doesn't believe we are saved through the blood of Christ, faith and grace? If you know, please let US know so we can AVOID it! :laugh

Please don't let the weaknesses and failures of other human beings keep you from exercising your gifts of the Spirit, Hannahrachel... that's another one of the reasons Jesus established His church (not just for fellowship).

In His love,

Hi Abba's,
First, thank you for your definitions, they have been very helpful to me.:nod

The part I left of your quote here is to tell you that was the problem with my last pastor, he used to quote from so many different bibles, with just enough twist in the word to fit his needs, to keep us under him as our source(not Jesus):doh ! To this very day I still can remember the pain. I have forgiven him by talking to him once in the last 7yrs., it made me feel a little better, but I can't shake the feeling of lost I felt at that time.:freaked

So, now I have another question, which is the real bible we should be reading, as I do have several? The last thing I want to do in these times is be deceived or lied to by the wrong bible!:fear

I have long since let the words of men slide, I listen, then I go home and read the bible! Our safe haven the Word of G-d.:clap
thank you again and YSIC hannahrachel :wave

[hannahrachel]

Thanks so much Joshua Gen those were very helpful!:thumb YSIC hannahrachel

[hannahrachel]

Acts 7:38, 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: I would almost assume that this verse speaks about the Living Word of God which would be the commandments and instructions given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Romans 3:1, 2 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Did we not get the Old Testament Scriptures from the Jews?

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Apparently the one that wrote this was saying that those he was addressing did not have an accurate understanding of the Scriptures and obviously need be taught the Word of God as little ones who are not ready for the meat of the Word,
The reason I point this out is because if you read 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: You will notice the similarity of what is being said.

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. To proclaim the Word of God.

Does this help?

Yes, everyone here is very helpful, thank you, YSIC hannahrachel :wave

[brother_believe]

Dont know if this was already said but in some translations the word oracle is translated as burden.

[hannahrachel]

Dont know if this was already said but in some translations the word oracle is translated as burden.

Hi brother, I actually could understand why an oracle from G-d could sometimes be a burden! But I still follow His leadings, so I guess I am safe for now!:lol thanks and in His love, hannahrachel :wave

[Joshua's Gen]

no thank you hannah. :):

you reminded me to tackle a seperate study I could never tackle before. :thumb

[My Abba's Child]

Hi Abba's,
First, thank you for your definitions, they have been very helpful to me.:nod

The part I left of your quote here is to tell you that was the problem with my last pastor, he used to quote from so many different bibles, with just enough twist in the word to fit his needs, to keep us under him as our source(not Jesus):doh ! To this very day I still can remember the pain. I have forgiven him by talking to him once in the last 7yrs., it made me feel a little better, but I can't shake the feeling of lost I felt at that time.:freaked

So, now I have another question, which is the real bible we should be reading, as I do have several? The last thing I want to do in these times is be deceived or lied to by the wrong bible!:fear

I have long since let the words of men slide, I listen, then I go home and read the bible! Our safe haven the Word of G-d.:clap
thank you again and YSIC hannahrachel :wave

Personally, and this is JUST personally, I like the NASB. Supposedly, it's the closest version of word-for-word from the orginal texts. I like it because it gives Jesus His rightful place by giving pronouns referring to Him in upper case... in case you didn't notice... I like that. :laugh Maybe you could get a Comparison Bible (Bible that gives more than one translation side-by-side) so that you can see how different translations translate the same verses? You're doing exactly what Paul applauded the Bereans for doing, Hannahrachel! Good job! :thumb :D:

In His love,

[hannahrachel]

Personally, and this is JUST personally, I like the NASB. Supposedly, it's the closest version of word-for-word from the orginal texts. I like it because it gives Jesus His rightful place by giving pronouns referring to Him in upper case... in case you didn't notice... I like that. :laugh Maybe you could get a Comparison Bible (Bible that gives more than one translation side-by-side) so that you can see how different translations translate the same verses? You're doing exactly what Paul applauded the Bereans for doing, Hannahrachel! Good job! :thumb :D:

In His love,

I do have a Comparison Bible, sometimes that just confuses me more, because seriously they are just different enough to twist the word of G-d just a little. My old pastor was great at finding the right bible to chastise us with. His favorite passage I must read you, he loved this one it kept us under his authority and not the Lords: Isaiah59:2&3 It reads: 2:But your iniquities have separated you from your G-d:and your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. 3:For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity: Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity. Before I left the church this was usually as he was staring at me, directed at me, and the whole church knew!

Anyway, I bring up that scripture because just like so many that are flung around here on the board!:doh It isn't what G-d was talking about:doh , if the church members had taken the time to read the whole passage, it goes on to tell you that G-d knows that He cannot see or hear sin and because of that and He still wanted His family, this scripture started out by telling us we are sinners!:nod

Since G-d knows that we are sinners, if reading further into the passage G-d Himsef tells Isaiah that he will be sending a Redeemer, NOT that He hated us so much that he would leave us alone with unanswered prayers, alone, and perverse, and let us die in sin! No, further into the passage here is one line from same passage: Isaiah 59:20 The Redeemer will come to Zion Isaiah 60;1-3 Tells us all of the Lord and what He will come to do for us!:clap

But our pastor, only wanted us under the law of bondage, so we never heard the rest. I went home the night he directed the verse in Isaiah 59:2/3 and read the rest, then I brought it to an elders attention, which not but a couple of weeks later, my best friend informed me that the pastor said I was a witch, loud enough for more than her to hear!:redface

It was a good experience in learning "what not to look for in a church" LEGALISM, a deadly adder, the letter of the law does kill, because if you break even one of the more than 600 laws of Moses, you might as well have broken them all, because you were in OT doomed!!

Jesus fulfilled the laws, not to rid us of them, but to lead us with them in His wisdom. If people would just really say, sorry, here Lord I am all yours do what you will we would all get along! Because Jesus is love He may teach you a lesson, but He always loves you, and this pastor was trying so hard to tell us that the Lord turns His back on sinners and lets them go, geezypete, so how did we all get saved?? I did before I left the church I asked the pastor if we could have perfected ourselves why did Jesus die on the cross?

Quess what he did not know the anwser, a pastor, leading his sheep astray. I still pray that the Lord opens his eyes to see the damage he did, I am glad I am not in his shoes on judgement day! Well, long story and must feed sick family today, so I will add more later! hannahrachel :wave