In the biblical context, the term "seer" refers to a prophet or one who receives divine revelations, often through visions. The role of a seer is closely associated with that of a prophet, though the term "seer" emphasizes the visionary aspect of receiving divine messages. Seers played a significant role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel, serving as intermediaries between God and His people.

Terminology and Usage

The Hebrew word for seer is "ro'eh" (רֹאֶה), which is derived from the verb "to see." Another term used is "chozeh" (חֹזֶה), which also means "to see" or "to behold." These terms highlight the visual nature of the revelations received by seers. In 1 Samuel 9:9, the text provides a historical note: "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 the seer."

Biblical Examples

1. Samuel: One of the most prominent seers in the Bible is Samuel. He is introduced as a seer in 1 Samuel 9:19, where he tells Saul, "I am the seer." Samuel's role as a seer was pivotal in guiding Israel, anointing its first two kings, Saul and David, and providing counsel and judgment.

2. Gad: Known as "David's seer," Gad played a crucial role during King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 24:11, Gad is referred to as a prophet who delivered God's message to David, offering him three choices of punishment for his sin of conducting a census.

3. Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun: These individuals are mentioned as seers in the context of temple worship and music. In 2 Chronicles 29:30, they are described as having a prophetic role in the service of the temple, contributing to the spiritual life of the nation through inspired music and worship.

4. Hanani: Another seer mentioned in the Bible is Hanani, who confronted King Asa of Judah for relying on the king of Aram instead of the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 16:7, Hanani's role as a seer is evident as he delivers God's rebuke to Asa.

Functions and Characteristics

Seers were known for their ability to receive and interpret visions and dreams, often providing guidance, warnings, and revelations of future events. Their messages were considered authoritative as they were believed to be direct communications from God. Seers were often consulted in times of crisis or uncertainty, and their counsel was sought for both personal and national matters.

The role of a seer was not limited to foretelling the future; it also included interpreting the present and past in light of God's will. Seers were instrumental in calling people to repentance, encouraging faithfulness to God's covenant, and providing insight into God's plans and purposes.

Distinction from Prophets

While all seers are prophets, not all prophets are referred to as seers. The distinction lies primarily in the method of revelation. Seers received divine messages primarily through visions, whereas prophets might receive God's word through various means, including direct speech, dreams, or symbolic actions. Despite this distinction, the terms are often used interchangeably in the biblical text.

Role in Israel's History

Seers were integral to the spiritual leadership of Israel, serving as God's mouthpieces and guiding the nation in accordance with divine will. Their presence is noted throughout the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament, highlighting their importance in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In summary, seers were visionary leaders who played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of ancient Israel, providing divine guidance and insight through their unique ability to receive and interpret visions from God.2335. Chozay -- "seer," a keeper of records
... the seers. From chozeh; visionary; Chozai, an Israelite -- the seers. see HEBREW
chozeh. 2334, 2335. Chozay. 2336 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2335.htm - 6k

7203a. roeh -- a seer
... a seer. Transliteration: roeh Short Definition: seer. Word Origin from raah Definition
a seer NASB Word Usage seer (10), seer's (1), seers (1). 7203, 7203a. ...
/hebrew/7203a.htm - 5k

2374. chozeh -- a seer
... Word Origin active participle of chazah Definition a seer NASB Word Usage
pact (1), prophets (1), seer (12), seers (3). agreement ...
/hebrew/2374.htm - 6k

The Apostasy in Two Days.
... Therefore he says: "Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded:
yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God." Micah 3 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the apostasy in.htm

Of the Fact that Nothing is Discovered to have Been Predicted by ...
... would be in such exalted authority, [573] that in obedience to them the Roman
government itself would command the destruction of images, the said seers at the ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xx of the fact that.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... For the Versicles, the Stichera, Tone 6. Similar to : Risen on the third day
...Ye, the disciples of God " theologians and God-seers " were the ministers ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ix the service common.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... 35 Begotten from the Light immense, [1554] proclaims. Through the seers' voices,
to be One: and Paul, [1555]. ... Persistently throughout the Law and Seers. ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... From freeborn mother, to be ministers. 10 Sacred to seers and patriarchs; [1626]
whom Thou,. ... Of seers, and proving that there is none else. ...
/.../book v general reply to sundry.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... Thus described, they resemble the prophets of old, denominated "seers." The many
eyes ascribed to them may point out the enlarged capacities which they should ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ...
... Who with no progeny wert blest; of whom. Spake, through the seers, the Spirit of
old time: ... Are here: these are the Lord's seers; and their choir,. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book iii of the harmony of.htm

The Doctrine of the Truth Continued.
... And this, too, not at the time merely when seers furnished a reply to those present;
[1093] but also events that would happen throughout all ages, have been ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxix the doctrine of the.htm

Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... 95 Who built the orb, fashioned breath-quickened flesh,. And gave the law, and by
the seers' voice spake. ... Of old through seers. He who the mandates gave. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm

The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... to analyze: it is the supreme fact that the Spirit of the Almighty touched the spirit
of certain men in ancient Israel so that they became seers and prophets. ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/iv the place of the.htm

Seers (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Seers (8 Occurrences). ... people are coming down from the
middle of the land, and one band is coming by way of the oak-tree of the Seers. ...
/s/seers.htm - 9k

Seer (21 Occurrences)
... (2 Samuel 15:27; 24:11; 1 Chronicles 9:22; 25:5; 2 Chronicles 9:29; Amos 7:12; Micah
3:7). The "sayings of the seers" (2 Chronicles 33:18, 19) is rendered in ...
/s/seer.htm - 17k

Segub (3 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/segub.htm - 11k

Lip (20 Occurrences)
... The prophet calls upon all seers and diviners, to whom God has refused the knowledge
of the future, to cover their lips in shame and confusion (Micah 3:7). HLE ...
/l/lip.htm - 18k

Records (50 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 33:18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God,
and the words which the seers said to him in the name of the Lord, the God ...
/r/records.htm - 21k

Hozai (1 Occurrence)
... question, 2 Chronicles 33:19, chozay; Septuagint ton horonton; Vulgate (Jerome's
Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) "Hozai"; the King James Version the seers; the King ...
/h/hozai.htm - 8k

Divination (25 Occurrences)
... the state. They are associated with prophets and seers in Jeremiah 27:9;
Jeremiah 29:8 Ezekiel 22:28 (compare 13:6-9; 12:24). It ...
/d/divination.htm - 45k

Greece (15 Occurrences)
... SeeDIVINATION; DREAM. Prophets and seers were not as important in Greece
as among many peoples. The blind Teiresias belongs to the ...
/g/greece.htm - 59k

Visions (43 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:10 Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Do not give us
word of what is true, but say false things to give us pleasure: (See NAS NIV). ...
/v/visions.htm - 20k

Oak-tree (11 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:37 And Gaal said again, See! people are coming down from the middle of
the land, and one band is coming by way of the oak-tree of the Seers. (BBE). ...
/o/oak-tree.htm - 10k

Who was Gad the seer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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