Bible Dictionaries
Omen
Holman Bible Dictionary
1. Sign used by diviners to predict the future. The Israelites were prohibited from interpreting omens (Deuteronomy 18:10 NAS, NIV). Pagan prophesy employed reading of omens ( Numbers 24:1 NAS, RSV; Ezekiel 21:21 NIV). As Lord of history, God frustrates the plans of “liars” who interpret omens ( Isaiah 44:25 NAS, RSV). See 1 Kings 20:33 NAS, NRSV). Companions of the high priest Joshua were a good omen (NRSV) or a symbol (NAS) of hope for a restored people of God ( Zechariah 3:8 ). The faithful witness of Christians in the face of opposition is likewise an omen or sign pointed to the salvation of believers and the destruction of God's enemies (Philippians 1:28 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Omen'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/o/omen.html. 1991.