Bible Dictionaries
Astrologer
Holman Bible Dictionary
Person who “divided the heavens” (literal translation of Hebrew phrase of Isaiah 47:13 ) to determine the future. Particularly the Babylonians developed sophisticated methods of reading the stars to determine proper times for action. The prophet mocked Babylon's tireless and tiring efforts in astrology. Daniel shows repeatedly that Babylon's well-educated, professional magicians could not match Daniel and his friends. Daniel apparently has magicians and masters of incantations and spells rather than astrologers. The “Chaldeans” of Daniel 2:2; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 5:7 ,Daniel 5:7,5:11 may be the nearest reference to astrologers in the book. The Bible does not seek to describe the skills, tactics, or methods of foreign personnel engaged in various practices to determine the opportune time. Rather the Bible mocks such practices and shows that God's word to the prophets and the wise of Israel far surpasses any foreign skills.
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 'Astrologer'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/a/astrologer.html. 1991.