Prophecies and divinatory practices in antiquity: an introductory comparative study to distinguish legitimate from false practices according to the Hebrew Scriptures

Abstract

Prophecies played a central role in biblical history, providing spiritual and political guidance to nations, especially Israel. This article investigates the distinction between true prophets and groups such as diviners and false prophets, analyzing Near Eastern practices like hepatoscopy and omens. The research employs a qualitative approach, comparing prophetic methods and purposes based on biblical and archaeological sources. The findings indicate that biblical prophecy is characterized by its fidelity to God, without reliance on divinatory techniques, while false prophets sought to please the political elite. The study concludes that true prophets often challenged power structures, reaffirming their role as mediators between God and the people. This research contributes to a broader understanding of ancient spiritual practices and the uniqueness of the biblical prophetic tradition.