Oracle

In the Old Testament used in every case, except 2 Sam. 16:23, to denote the most holy place in the temple (1 Kings 6:5, 19-23; 8:6). In 2 Sam. 16:23 it means the Word of God. A man inquired “at the oracle of God” by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate on the high priest’s ephod. In the New Testament it is used only in the plural, and always denotes the Word of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12, etc.). The Scriptures are called “living oracles” (comp. Heb. 4:12) because of their quickening power (Acts 7:38).

OR'ACLE. This term is in the O.T. in every case but one applied to the most holy place in the temple, whence God declared his will to ancient Israel. 1 Kgs 6:5, 1 Kgs 6:19-23; 1 Kgs 8:6. But in 2 Sam 16:23 it is used in the ordinary sense. In the N.T. it is in the plural, and is applied to the Scriptures, which contain the will of God. Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 4:11. Once they are called "living" because of their quickening effects. Acts 7:38. By the oracles, in the heathen world, were understood the shrines where utterances concerning the future were given and the utterance itself. The Greeks had many such oracles, of which the most famous was the oracle of Delphi. The priestess, sitting on a tripod over a chasm from which an intoxicating vapor was said to ascend, uttered incoherent words, which were then interpreted by a prophet. These oracles at one time stood in high repute and were consulted by kings. They did not, however, withstand very long the corruptive power of money and bribery.

OR'ACLE. This term is in the O.T. in every case but one applied to the most holy place in the temple, whence God declared his will to ancient Israel. 1 Kgs 6:5, 1 Kgs 6:19-23; 1 Kgs 8:6. But in 2 Sam 16:23 it is used in the ordinary sense. In the N.T. it is in the plural, and is applied to the Scriptures, which contain the will of God. Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 4:11. Once they are called "living" because of their quickening effects. Acts 7:38. By the oracles, in the heathen world, were understood the shrines where utterances concerning the future were given and the utterance itself. The Greeks had many such oracles, of which the most famous was the oracle of Delphi. The priestess, sitting on a tripod over a chasm from which an intoxicating vapor was said to ascend, uttered incoherent words, which were then interpreted by a prophet. These oracles at one time stood in high repute and were consulted by kings. They did not, however, withstand very long the corruptive power of money and bribery.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle. Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. Drayton.

2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given. The oracles are dumb; No voice or hideous hum Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. Milton.

3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural. The first principles of the oracles of God. Heb. v. 12.

4. The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself. 1 Kings vi. 19. Siloa's brook, that flow'd Fast by the oracle of God. Milton.

5. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet. God hath now sent his living oracle Into the world to teach his final will. Milton.

6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. "Oracles of mode." Tennyson. The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. Macaulay.

7. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To utter oracles. [Obs.]