Omen

Natural sign or occurrence prefiguring the outcome of a future event. Augury was listed among the abominable pagan practices forbidden to Israel (Dt 18:10). Balaam, upon seeing that the Lord was pleased with his blessings on Israel, did not seek omens as he normally did (Nm 24:1). The men of Syria looked for an omen to see if King Ahab of Israel (874–853 BC) would be favorably disposed to release the Syrian king Ben-hadad from captivity (1 Kgs 20:33). Isaiah reveals the Lord as one “who frustrates the omens of liars, and makes fools of diviners” (Is 44:25, RSV).

See also Magic; Sorcery.