WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

KING PYRRHUS of Epirus in northwestern Greece was engaged in a long-term conflict wih the Roman Empire.  Desperately desiring a clue regarding its outcome, he went to consult the oracle of Delphi. But the answer he received could be understood in either of the following two  ways: (1) "I say  that thou son of Eacus canst conquer the Romans.  Thou shalt go, thou shalt return, never shalt thou perish  in war." (2) "I say that the Romans can conquer  thee, son of Eacus.  Thous shalt go, thou shalt never return, thou shalt perish in war."  He chose to understand the oracle in the former way and therefore waged war against Rome.  Pyrrhus was  utterly defeated.

Such cases made ancient oracles notorious for being vague and enigmatic.  But what about Bible prophecy?  Some critics maintain that the prophecies found in the Bible are no better than the oracles.  These critics  speculate that Bible predictions were merely shrewd foretelling of future events by very clever and keenly perceptive individuals, usually of the priestly class.  Supposedly, just by experience or through their special connections, these men foresaw the natural development of certain situations.  By comparing the various characteristics of Bible prophecies with those of oracles, we will be better equipped to draw proper conclusions.

Next time: Points of Contrast

Watchtower, 2000