Seer:
a name sometimes applied to the prophets because of the visions granted to them. It is first found in 1Sa 9:9. It is afterwards applied to Zadok, Gad, etc. (2Sa 15:27; 24:11; 1Ch 9:22; 25:5; 2Ch 9:29; Amo 7:12; Mic 3:7). The "sayings of the seers" (2Ch 33:18,19) is rendered in the Revised Version "the history of Hozai" (marg., the seers; so the LXX.), of whom, however, nothing is known. (See PROPHET.)
Seer:
se'-er, ser: The word in English Versions of the Bible represents two Hebrew words, ro'eh (1Sa 9:9,11,18,19; 2Sa 15:27; 1Ch 9:22, etc.), And chozeh (2Sa 24:11; 2Ki 17:13; 1Ch 21:9; 25:5; 29:29, etc.). The former designation is from the ordinary verb "to see"; the latter is connected with the verb used of prophetic vision. It appears from 1Sa 9:9 that "seer" (ro'-eh) was the older name for those who, after the rise of the more regular orders, were called "prophets." It is not just, however, to speak of the "seers" or "prophets" of Samuel's time as on the level of mere fortune-tellers. What insight or vision they possessed is traced to God's Spirit. Samuel was the ro'-eh by pr-eeminence, and the name is little used after his time. Individuals who bear the title "seer" (chozeh) are mentioned in connection with the kings and as historiographers (2Sa 24:11; 1Ch 21:9; 25:5; 29:29; 2Ch 9:29; 12:15; 19:2, etc.), and distinction is sometimes made between "prophets" and "seers" (2Ki 17:13; 1Ch 29:29, etc.). Havernick thinks that "seer" denotes one who does not belong to the regular prophetic order (Introductions to Old Testament, 50 ff, English translation), but it is not easy to fix a precise distinction.
Written by James Orr
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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