Oracle
Summary
In Scripture, oracle refers both to the holy of holies in the temple where God spoke to His people, and to the divine utterances or Scriptures themselves.
☩The Holy of Holies
In most Old Testament occurrences, "oracle" translates the Hebrew word 'debir,' referring to the innermost sanctuary of the temple, also called the "Holy of Holies." This was the back or west room of the temple where the ark of the covenant rested and where God's presence dwelt between the cherubim. From this place, God said He would meet with His people and commune with them, giving commands and guidance. The oracle was the most sacred space in Israel's worship, entered only once yearly by the high priest on the Day of Atonement.
☩Divine Utterances
In the New Testament, "oracles" (Greek 'logion') refers to divine utterances, particularly the Scriptures. Stephen speaks of Moses receiving "living oracles" at Mount Sinai. Paul declares that the Jews were entrusted with "the oracles of God." The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to progress beyond "the first principles of the oracles of God." Peter exhorts those who speak to do so "as the oracles of God," treating their words with the seriousness due to inspired Scripture. In each case, the term emphasizes the divine origin and authority of God's revealed Word.
Related Verses21 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Oracle," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Oracle," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Oracle," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).