Continue With Points Of Contrast

Since Oracles were available only at specific places, an individual had to put forth considerable effort to travel there in order to receive them. For the average person, most of those places were extremely difficult to reach because they were situated in such locations as Dodona on Mount Tomarus in Epirus and Delphi in mountainous central Greece. Usually, only the rich and powerful were able to consult the gods as such oracles. Moreover, "the will of the gods" was revealed on only a few days during the year. In striking contrast, Jehovah God sent his prophetic messengers directly to the people in order to proclaim the prophecies that they needed to hear. During the Jew's Babylonian exile, for instance, God had at least three prophets serving among his people-Jeremiah in Jerusalem, Ezekiel with the exiles, and Daniel in the city of the Babylonian Empire.- Jeremiah 1:1, 2; Ezekiel 1:1; Daniel 2:48.

Oracles were generally given in private so that the one receiving them could exploit their interpretation to his own advantage. In contrast, Bible prophecies were often given in public so that all could hear the message and understand its implications. The prophet Jeremiah, many times spoke publicly in Jerusalem, although he knew that his message was unpopular among the leaders and the inhabitants of the city.- Jeremiah 7:1, 2.

Today, oracles are viewed as a part of ancient history. They have no practical value for people living in our critical times. No such oracles deal with our day or with our future. In notable contrast, Bible prophecies are part of "the word of God [which] is alive and exerts power." (Hebrews 4:12) The already fulfilled prophecies of the Bible provide a pattern of Jehovah's dealings with people and reveal vital features of his purposes and personality. Additionally, important Bible prophecies await fulfillment in the near future. Describing what lies ahead, the apostle Peter wrote: "There are new heavens [the heavenly Messianic Kingdom] and a new earth [a righteous human society] that we are awaiting according to [God's]promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."-Peter 3:13.

This brief comparison of Bible prophecy and false religion's oracles may well lead you to a conclusion similar to that expressed in the book entitled The Great Ideas: "So far as the foreknowledge of mortal men is concerned, the Hebrew prophets seem to be unique. Unlike pagan diviners or soothsayers,. . . they do not have to employ arts or devices for penetrating divine secrets. . . . For the most part, their prophetic speeches, unlike those of the oracles, seem to be unambiguous. At least the intention seems to be to reveal, not to conceal, God's plan on such matters as He Himself wishes men to foresee the course of providence."

Next time: Will You Trust The Bible Prophecy?