proph·e·cy ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prf-s)
n. pl. proph·e·cies (-sz)
An inspired utterance of a prophet, viewed as a revelation of
divine will.
A prediction of the future, made under divine inspiration.
Such an inspired message or prediction transmitted orally or in
writing.
The vocation or condition of a prophet.
A prediction.
prophecy
n 1: knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a
divine source) [syn: prognostication, vaticination] 2: a prediction
uttered under divine inspiration [syn: divination]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
prophecy
or prediction, was one of the functions of the prophet. It has been
defined as a
"miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or
representation of
something future, beyond the power of human sagacity to foresee,
discern, or
conjecture." (See PROPHET.) The great prediction which runs like a
golden
thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament is that
regarding the
coming and work of the Messiah; and the great use of prophecy was
to perpetuate
faith in his coming, and to prepare the world for that event. But
there are many
subordinate and intermediate prophecies also which hold an
important place in
the great chain of events which illustrate the sovereignty and
all-wise
overruling providence of God. Then there are many prophecies
regarding the
Jewish nation, its founder Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:16; 15:5; 17:2,
4-6, etc.),
and his posterity, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants (12:7;
13:14, 15, 17;
15:18-21; Ex. 3:8, 17), which have all been fulfilled. The
twenty-eighth
chapter of Deuteronomy contains a series of predictions which are
even now in
the present day being fulfilled. In the writings of the prophets
Isaiah
(2:18-21), Jeremiah (27:3-7; 29:11-14), Ezekiel (5:12; 
, Daniel (8; 9:26,
27), Hosea (9:17), there are also many prophecies regarding the
events which
were to befall that people. There is in like manner a large number
of
prophecies relating to those nations with which the Jews came into
contact, as
Tyre (Ezek. 26:3-5, 14-21), Egypt (Ezek. 29:10, 15; 30:6, 12, 13),
Ethiopia
(Nahum 3:8-10), Nineveh (Nahum 1:10; 2:8-13; 3:17-19), Babylon
(Isa. 13:4; Jer.
51:7; Isa. 44:27; Jer. 50:38; 51:36, 39, 57), the land of the
Philistines (Jer.
47:4-7; Ezek. 25:15-17; Amos 1:6-8; Zeph. 2:4-7; Zech.
9:5-, and of the four
great monarchies (Dan. 2:39, 40; 7:17-24; 8:9). But the great body
of Old
Testament prophecy relates directly to the advent of the Messiah,
beginning
with Gen. 3:15, the first great promise, and extending in
ever-increasing
fulness and clearness all through to the very close of the canon.
The Messianic
prophecies are too numerous to be quoted. "To him gave all the
prophets
witness." (Comp. Micah 5:2; Hag. 2:6-9; Isa. 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1, 2;
53; 60:10,
13; Ps. 16:11; 68:18.) Many predictions also were delivered by
Jesus and his
apostles. Those of Christ were very numerous. (Comp. Matt.
10:23:24; 11:23;
19:28; 21:43, 44; 24; 25:31-46; 26:17-35, 46, 64; Mark 9:1; 10:30;
13; 11:1-6,
14; 14:12-31, 42, 62; 16:17, etc.)
Hopefully end of battle....now let me continue flaming this
Chronicles...
