1. In Daniel 1:20; Daniel 2:2,10,27; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 5:7,11,15 the Hebrew word is ashshaph, signifying 'enchanter, magician;' one who practised occult arts. This word occurs nowhere else.
2. habar shamayim , one who viewed or divided the heavens, an astrologer, who professed to foretell events by the position of the planets. Isaiah 47:13 . Babylon was wearied with its various counsellors, who doubtless often differed one from another; but it had no other resource, so it turned to its astrologers, stargazers, etc. See DIVINATION.