WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

Conclusion of Points of Contrast

To illustrate: Jehovah's prophet Nathan did not hold back from reproving erring King David.  (2 Samuel 12:1-12)  During the reign of Jeroboam II over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel,the prophets Hosea and Amos delivered stern criticism to the rebellious king and his supporters because of their apostasy and God-dishonoring conduct.  (Hosea 5:1-7; Amos 2:6-8)  Especially caustic was Jehovah's warning to the king by the mouth of the prophet Amos:  "I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with a sword."  (Amos 7:9)  Jeroboam's house was  annihilated. -1 Kings 15:25-30; 2 Chronicles 13:20.

Most of the time, oracles were give for a price. The one who paid more would receive the oracle he liked.  Those consulting the oracles at Delphi paid dearly for worthless information, thereby filling the temple of Apollo and additional edifices with great treasures.  In contrast, Bible prophecies and warnings were given without cost and with no partiality whatsoever.  That was the case regardless of the position or wealth of the person to whom they were directed, for a true prophet could not be bribed.  The prophet and judge Samuel could sincerely ask:  "From whose hand have I accepted hush money that I should hide my eyes with it?" -1 Samuel 12:3.

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 in mountainous central Greece. Usually, only the rich and powerful were able to consult the gods at such oracles.  Moreover,  "the will of the gods" was revealed 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 capital of the Babylonian Empire. -Jeremiah 1:1, 2; Ezekiel 1:1; Daniel 2:48.

Oracles were 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 views 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 out 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 h is 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." - 2 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 man 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 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 Bible Prophecy?

Watchtower, 2000