In biblical literature, the term "portent" refers to a sign or an omen that indicates a future event, often of significant or divine nature. Portents are frequently associated with God's communication to humanity, serving as warnings, guidance, or revelations of His will. The concept of portents is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the dynamic interaction between the divine and the human realms.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, portents are often linked with prophetic messages and divine interventions. The Hebrew word often translated as "portent" is "môp̄ēṯ," which can also mean "wonder" or "miracle." These signs are typically extraordinary events that capture attention and convey a deeper message from God.

One of the earliest examples of a portent is found in the account of the Exodus. God uses a series of plagues as portents to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. In Exodus 7:3, God declares, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt," indicating that these miraculous events serve as divine portents of His power and judgment.

The prophets frequently spoke of portents as well. In Isaiah 8:18, the prophet declares, "Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion." Here, Isaiah and his children are described as living portents, embodying God's message to His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, portents continue to play a significant role, particularly in the context of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the early church. The Greek word "sēmeion" is often used to describe these signs or portents, emphasizing their function as indicators of divine truth.

Jesus Himself performed many signs and wonders, which served as portents of His divine authority and the coming of God's kingdom. In John 2:11, after Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it is written, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." This miracle is a portent of Jesus' messianic identity and His transformative power.

The Book of Acts also records numerous portents accompanying the spread of the Gospel. In Acts 2:19-20, Peter, quoting the prophet Joel, speaks of the last days: "I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord." These cosmic portents are associated with the eschatological fulfillment of God's plan.

Theological Significance

Portents in the Bible are not mere predictions of future events; they are deeply theological, revealing God's sovereignty, His purposes, and His interaction with creation. They serve as reminders of God's active presence in the world and His ultimate control over history. Portents call for a response from those who witness them, often demanding faith, repentance, or obedience.

In a broader theological context, portents underscore the reality of divine revelation. They are tangible manifestations of God's communication, bridging the gap between the seen and the unseen, the temporal and the eternal. As such, they invite believers to discern the signs of the times and to align their lives with God's revealed will.

Conclusion

Portents in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as divine messages that reveal God's character and intentions. They are woven into the fabric of biblical history, from the miraculous signs of the Exodus to the wonders accompanying the early church. Through these portents, God communicates His sovereignty, calls His people to faith, and unfolds His redemptive plan for humanity.