a primitive root of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; to be a horoscopist; [phrase] (astro-) loger.
Transliteration:hâbar
Pronunciation:haw-bar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root הָבַר (hâbar, `{{H1895}}`) is a rare term, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text. Its base definition points to the practice of being a "horoscopist" or "astrologer." The etymology is noted as "uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation," suggesting it may be a loanword or a term not deeply embedded in indigenous Hebrew linguistic structures. This uncertainty, however, does not obscure its clear semantic range, which pertains to divination through the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies, specifically for the purpose of predicting future events or discerning fate. It denotes a professional practitioner of such forbidden arts, someone who "makes known" or "cuts up" the heavens for prognostic purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of הָבַר (hâbar, `{{H1895}}`) is found in [[Isaiah 47:13]]: "You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who make known by the new moons what shall come upon you."
This verse is part of a prophetic oracle against Babylon, personified as a proud and self-reliant queen who is about to face divine judgment. The prophet Isaiah mocks Babylon's dependence on various forms of divination, including those who "divide the heavens" (a rendering of the participle derived from hâbar), "gaze at the stars," and "make known by the new moons." The context is one of divine scorn and impending doom for those who rely on such futile practices. The rhetorical question "let them stand forth and save you" underscores the utter powerlessness of these astrologers and their predictions in the face of Yahweh's sovereign will and judgment. The term here specifically highlights the professional aspect of celestial divination, a core element of Babylonian religious and political life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embodied by הָבַר (hâbar, `{{H1895}}`) is part of a broader spectrum of forbidden divinatory practices in the Old Testament. While unique in its specific astrological nuance, it stands alongside other terms for those who attempt to usurp God's prerogative to reveal the future:
* `{{H7080}}` (קָסַם, qasam): To practice divination generally, often through lots or omens.
* `{{H6049}}` (עָנָן, 'anan): To practice soothsaying, often associated with observing clouds or omens.
* `{{H5172}}` (נָחַשׁ, nachash): To practice divination, enchantment, or augury.
* `{{H376}}` (אֹוב, 'ôb) and `{{H3049}}` (יִדְּעֹנִי, yidde'oni): Terms for necromancers and wizards who consult the dead or familiar spirits.
* `{{H3534}}` (כָּשַׁף, kashaph): To practice sorcery or magic.
The immediate context of [[Isaiah 47:13]] also provides descriptive phrases for similar practitioners: "those who gaze at the stars" (הֹוזֵי שָׁמַיִם, hozey shamayim) and "those who make known by the new moons" (מְיַדְּעֵי לֶחֳדָשִׁים, meyadd'ey lechodashim). These phrases, though not single lemmas, semantically align with the astrological nature of hâbar. The overarching concept is the illicit attempt to gain knowledge or control over the future through means other than direct, divine revelation from Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The single use of הָבַר (hâbar, `{{H1895}}`) in [[Isaiah 47:13]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark condemnation of astrology and all forms of divination rooted in paganism.
1. **Sovereignty of God:** The passage asserts Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. Human attempts to discern or manipulate the future through celestial observation or other occult practices are rendered utterly futile and impotent in the face of God's predetermined will. The astrologers cannot save Babylon from God's judgment, demonstrating that true power resides solely with the Creator, not the created order or its interpreters.
2. **Exclusivity of Divine Revelation:** The condemnation of astrologers implicitly upholds the principle that legitimate knowledge of the future comes only through divine revelation, typically mediated by God's true prophets. Practices like hâbar are an affront to God's unique role as the revealer of truth and the controller of destiny. This aligns with prohibitions against divination throughout the Torah (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]).
3. **Idolatry and False Reliance:** Relying on horoscopists or astrologers is depicted as a form of idolatry, a turning away from the living God to trust in human wisdom or the supposed power of the stars. It represents a fundamental misdirection of faith and trust.
4. **Judgment and Futility:** The fate of Babylon, despite its reliance on such practitioners, underscores the ultimate futility and the inevitable judgment awaiting those who reject God's authority and embrace pagan practices. The "wise" of this world, who rely on such means, will ultimately be shamed and exposed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הָבַר (hâbar, `{{H1895}}`) is a rare but significant term, appearing once in [[Isaiah 47:13]] to denote a "horoscopist" or "astrologer." Though its etymology is uncertain, its meaning clearly points to the practice of divination through celestial observation. In its sole biblical context, hâbar is used to mock the futile reliance of Babylon on such practitioners, contrasting their powerlessness with the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. Theologically, this term, along with related concepts of divination, underscores God's exclusive right to reveal the future, condemning all forms of occult practice as idolatrous and ultimately leading to judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of human attempts to control or predict destiny apart from the divine will.
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